### Nine Months in London: Insights from a Student’s Viewpoint
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I started my adventure living in London. Although this period might not appear extensive, it has provided me with numerous significant insights about life in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its variety of housing but also for the rich amalgamation of cultures that reside here. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can make use of platforms like **Rightmove**, **Zoopla**, and **SpareRoom** to find potential housing options online. These websites offer information regarding amenities, access to public transport, and other vital details, streamlining the search process.
#### Locating a Place to Live
When I initiated my search, my preference was to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transportation network—which includes the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel across these zones.
Nonetheless, commuting expenses can escalate quickly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing public transport. For longer journeys, the **Oyster card** has turned out to be an economical choice for students. Beyond the Tube, the **London Overground** and **National Rail services** reach areas outside the central zones, providing further travel options with varying fares based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails greater living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This setup greatly minimized our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an atmosphere that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
#### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being in close proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of London’s most familiar supermarket chains include **Tesco**, **Sainsbury’s**, and **Co-op**, while more economical options like **Aldi**, **Lidl**, and **Iceland** also have a strong presence. Having essential stores nearby, including pharmacies, is incredibly useful, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
#### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite challenging. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural essence, providing a vibrant array of distinct areas to discover. Many international students are drawn to neighbourhoods that mirror the culture of their home nations.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of the West End, is a bustling hub teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctive and welcoming atmosphere.
#### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal spot to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you value closeness to your university, cultural resonance, or price, London has something to offer everyone. As you embark on your search for a place to call home, cherish the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural richness, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of life in this extraordinary metropolis.
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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/)*