**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I initiated my experience of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has afforded me the chance to gain considerable insights about this lively and evolving city. London is not only recognized for its varied housing alternatives but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of selections, ranging from student accommodations to private living arrangements, encompassing ensuite and shared facilities, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite uncomplicated. Nevertheless, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These websites offer comprehensive information about features and accessibility to public transport, enhancing the experience for individuals relocating from overseas.
### Locating the Ideal Residence
As I commenced my search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was imperative for me. London is compartmentalized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy movement between zones.
To economize on travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Journeying between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily, but utilizing an Oyster card significantly diminishes commuting costs. For greater distances, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside of Central London. Nonetheless, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing methods of train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To manage these costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they presented a unique chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that is more challenging to find with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
One of my main considerations was living in proximity to grocery shops. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also well-liked. Being near essential stores and pharmacies is incredibly practical, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting a Neighborhood
Choosing the appropriate neighborhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, forming a mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods that echo the familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is famous for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling quarter filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the numerous cultural centers that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal living location in London hinges on your individual preferences and necessities. Whether you are looking for a new residence or settling into a community, London’s diversity and vibrancy offer something for everyone. Discover the city’s housing alternatives, immerse yourself in its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement of life in this extraordinary metropolis.
—
*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/)*