**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my journey of residing in London. Although this might not appear lengthy, it has afforded me the opportunity to acquire meaningful insights into the city’s dynamic lifestyle, varied communities, and diverse housing options. London serves as a cultural melting pot and presents an abundance of choices for students in search of accommodation, from student residences to private rentals. These alternatives encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, both private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively easy, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse housing options online. These platforms offer comprehensive information regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial details, simplifying the search experience.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to stay near important attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation among these zones.
To economize on travel expenses—since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk short distances rather than depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making it a budget-friendly alternative for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, linking outer zones to the city center. However, prices for these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London offers advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To curtail costs, my friend and I decided to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been challenging to find in private accommodations.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Popular supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to stay within budget. Residing near essential shops and pharmacies proved especially beneficial during exam periods when time is scarce.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Communities
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London presents a challenge, given the city’s substantial cultural variety. London’s ethnic communities are a vital aspect of its identity, providing unique experiences and a sense of familiarity for international students.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music environment. At the same time, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s multicultural essence.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the best place to reside in London is contingent on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether it’s closeness to your university, access to cultural hotspots, or budget considerations, London has something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the convenience and excitement this extraordinary metropolis has in store.
—
*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/)*