**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of living in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, it has provided me with important insights into the atmosphere of this lively and diverse city. London is celebrated not only for its landmark features and cultural wealth but also for its extensive selection of housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a plethora of choices, ranging from student residences to private housing, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly easy. In contrast, international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential lodgings online. These platforms deliver comprehensive details about facilities and proximity to public transport, facilitating the search for those coming from overseas.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I started my search for a place to stay, I was eager to find a room in Central London. My goal was to be near major landmarks, social venues, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—enables convenient navigation across zones.
Nevertheless, I sought to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 a day. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card significantly cuts travel costs for students. Beyond the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to suburban areas, although fares vary based on distance and the train provider.
Dwelling in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to the city’s attractions but often comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I made the decision to share a room with a friend, which offered substantial savings on rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and age groups—a social dynamic that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Some of the main supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite overwhelming due to the city’s scale and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods with distinct characteristics.
Many international students tend to prefer areas that resonate with their home cultures. For example:
– **Southall** in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and colorful music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods represent just a few of London’s cultural enclaves, each delivering its unique experience.
### Enjoying Life in London
Ultimately, the ideal living situation in London is influenced by your personal tastes and needs. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural variety, its convenience, or its countless opportunities for adventures, London caters to all.
As you embark on the quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its varied housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of residing in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
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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/)*