**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided ample opportunity for me to gain significant understanding of life in this lively city. London is celebrated not only for its variety of housing options but also for the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wealth of housing choices, ranging from student residences to private rentals. Options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, whereas international students can take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These sites enable potential tenants to browse properties online, verify amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Living centrally offered the advantage of proximity to significant landmarks, social venues, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transit system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting between zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For lengthier journeys, an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly alternative. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, simplifying travel to outer zones, although fares fluctuate based on the distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London offers perks, but it also comes with elevated living costs. To manage my budget, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This decision notably lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation with the aim of connecting with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been more challenging in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s abundant cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic enclaves, each presenting a distinct experience. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas reminiscent of home.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. In the meantime, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples illustrate the cultural richness found in London’s neighbourhoods.
### Embracing Life in London
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation options, its cultural precincts, or its convenience and vibrancy, London caters to all. My advice to anyone on the hunt for a home in this extraordinary city is to welcome its diversity, explore its neighbourhoods, and capitalize on the opportunities presented.
—
*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/)*