**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Though this timeframe may not appear extensive, it has provided me with some invaluable insights regarding life in this bustling metropolis. London is celebrated not only for its varied living arrangements but also for the rich and diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, ranging from student halls to private leases, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling an apartment viewing is comparatively simple. However, international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online. These sites offer comprehensive details about facilities and closeness to public transport, significantly streamlining the search process.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London. My objective was to maintain proximity to significant attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s exceptional transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to traverse short distances on foot rather than depend on public transit. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but an Oyster card greatly alleviates commuting costs for students. For lengthier journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework to areas outside Central London. However, fares for these services fluctuate according to distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living costs. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, significantly alleviating our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, desiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that private rentals might not have afforded.
### Closeness to Essentials
Personally, living in proximity to grocery shops was essential. Popular supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-friendly stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students on tighter finances. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly advantageous, especially during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vastness and variety. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas mirroring the culture of their home nations.
For instance, Southall in West London is distinguished by its prominent South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Concurrently, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods represent just a glimpse of the cultural wealth London has to offer.
### Embracing Life in London
The optimal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual interests and needs. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its contemporary conveniences, London presents options for everyone. My recommendation for anyone hunting for a residence in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and relish the vibrant experience of living in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.
—
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)*
*Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)*