**Nine Months in London: Insights from a Student on Living and Accommodation**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
I began my adventure of residing in London nine months ago. While this duration may appear brief, it has granted me ample opportunity to discover much about this lively and ever-evolving city. London is recognized not only for its wide-ranging accommodation alternatives but also for its rich cultural mosaic of communities that reside within it. For students, the city provides an abundance of housing options, including student residences and private rentals, featuring choices such as ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studios, and house shares.
For domestic students, securing a viewing for an apartment is quite simple. On the other hand, international students like myself often depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details about facilities, closeness to public transportation, and other key aspects, facilitating well-informed decisions from a distance.
### Locating Your Home
As I commenced my hunt for accommodation, my emphasis was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to remain in proximity to key 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 impressive public transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies travel between zones.
Nevertheless, commuting between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To minimize transport expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the Tube. For longer journeys, I discovered that using an Oyster card significantly lowered my travel costs. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the central zones, providing greater connectivity. Although fares for these options vary, they offer valuable alternatives for those living further from the core city area.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails steep living costs. To keep my expenses in check, I decided to share a room with a fellow student from the same university. This decision enabled us to split the rent and save considerably. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that private housing might not have easily provided.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. London features a vast selection of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, which are perfect for daily shopping needs. For more budget-conscious choices, retailers like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are widely favored. Being near vital shops and pharmacies is especially advantageous during hectic times, like exam periods, when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a daunting task, given its extensive diversity. The city’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in shaping its cultural landscape, presenting an array of distinctive neighborhoods. For many international students, uncovering a sense of familiarity in a new environment is crucial.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, where one can find Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and pulsating music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a snippet of the vibrant cultural enclaves that make London unique.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the optimal place to reside in London is determined by your individual interests and requirements. Whether you value closeness to your university, cultural ties, or budgetary considerations, London presents a multitude of options to cater to every taste. Embrace the richness of the city’s accommodation landscape, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and fully enjoy the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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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/)