**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. While this duration might not appear lengthy, it has been ample enough for me to collect significant experiences about life in this lively metropolis. London is more than just a place of varied housing options; it is a cultural and community melting pot. For students, the city provides an abundance of living arrangements, from student residences to private rentals, including choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, organizing apartment viewings is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to take virtual tours of potential homes, compare facilities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport links.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I embarked on my search for living arrangements, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Residing centrally allowed me to be near major landmarks, social centers, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transit system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport, as inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 per day. However, for university trips, using the Oyster card significantly lowered travel costs. In addition to the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, although fares for these services can vary based on distance and the specific train operator.
Living in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that is more challenging in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to supermarkets was a crucial factor. Large supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-oriented options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students looking to be frugal. Proximity to key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam weeks when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Appropriate Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a significant challenge, given the city’s vast diversity. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural richness, offering an array of distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke the comfort of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is famous for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods are mere examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and preferences. Whether you’re navigating the city’s diverse housing options, immersing yourself in its cultural districts, or enjoying the ease of its premier transit system, London has something to offer for everyone.
My time here has been a fulfilling journey, and I urge anyone relocating to London to embrace its diversity, uncover its hidden treasures, and fully enjoy this extraordinary city.
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**By:** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**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/)