**Residing in London: Nine Months of Lessons**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London—a city that is as vibrant as it is varied. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to impart a wealth of knowledge about maneuvering through life in this lively metropolis. London is not merely recognized for its extensive range of accommodation options but also for the dynamic communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, extending from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is simple, but international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate accommodations online. These resources provide information regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other vital details, streamlining the search.
At the outset of my search, I was eager to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s robust transportation system—which comprises the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between zones with relative ease. However, traveling between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 per day, prompting me to walk shorter distances to cut down on travel expenses. For longer journeys, utilizing the Oyster card proved to be a wallet-friendly choice.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London, enhancing accessibility. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the operating company. While residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, it also entails higher living expenses. To mitigate costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, which greatly diminished our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that’s more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly available, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students seeking to minimize expenses. Living near essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies is especially convenient during hectic times, like exam seasons.
Selecting the right area in London can be daunting, given the city’s abundant cultural diversity. Many international students are drawn to neighborhoods that resonate with the familiarity of their native countries. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its sizable South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighborhoods are just a handful of London’s multicultural pockets.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural richness, convenience, or lively social scene, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, delve into the unique neighborhoods, and make the most of your time in this extraordinary city.
*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/)