### My Journey of Residing in London: Nine Months Later
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although nine months might not sound extensive, it has been sufficient for me to absorb a wealth of knowledge about this lively city. London is not only varied in its housing alternatives but also in the communities that reside here. For students, there is a plethora of accommodation options available, from student housing to private rentals. These include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly uncomplicated. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to navigate potential housing options online. These sites offer insights regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other essential elements.
### Searching for a Place to Live
When I commenced my housing search, my primary aim was to secure a room in Central London. I aspired to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most significantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentrically arranged zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones.
Nonetheless, I aimed to reduce my travel costs, as traversing between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut expenses, I frequently walked short distances rather than opting for public transport. For lengthier commutes, the Oyster card provides discounted travel opportunities, making it an economical solution for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, connecting areas outside central London. The fares for these services vary based on the distance covered and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also entails considerable living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room. This decision drastically lowered our rental costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation because I was keen on meeting individuals from various backgrounds and my age group—an experience that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was paramount. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. If you’re looking for more cost-effective choices, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being situated close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can prove to be difficult due to the city’s size and diversity. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke a sense of familiarity.
For instance, Southall in West London is populated by a significant South Asian community, hosting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling district rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of London’s culturally enriched neighborhoods.
### Concluding Reflections
The ideal residence in London ultimately hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you’re hunting for a new home or delving into the city’s varied cultural locales, London ensures there’s something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, relish its convenience, and take full advantage of the vibrancy it has to present.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*