**Life in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although it may seem brief, this period has allowed me to grasp several meaningful insights about this lively city. London is renowned not just for its extensive variety of housing options but also for its vibrant and diverse communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite straightforward, while international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These resources offer information on amenities and accessibility to public transport, simplifying the search process significantly.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s exceptional transportation system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly. For example, inter-zonal travel may cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of using public transportation. For longer journeys, an Oyster card turned out to be a wallet-friendly option. Plus, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, yet it also brings higher living expenses. To control our costs, my friend and I agreed to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided a chance to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that is more difficult to achieve in private housing.
### Close to Necessities
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are conveniently located, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic periods such as exam season.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each offering its own unique experience. For international students, these areas often provide a sense of familiarity and ease.
– **Southall** in West London boasts a large South Asian community, presenting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural activities.
These are merely a few examples of the culturally diverse neighborhoods that make London truly exceptional.
### Embracing Life in London
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re seeking a new residence or just exploring the city, London’s varied housing choices, cultural communities, and accessible amenities provide options for everyone. Embrace the richness of this extraordinary city and relish all it has to offer.
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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/)