**Experiencing Life in London: My Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this time frame might appear short, it has been sufficient for me to understand and adjust to the city’s lively and energetic lifestyle. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich mix of communities that inhabit it. Students in the city can choose from numerous housing alternatives, including student accommodations, private rentals, ensuite rooms, shared spaces, and studio apartments.
For domestic students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is fairly simple. International students, on the other hand, frequently depend on websites like **Rightmove**, **Zoopla**, or **SpareRoom** to investigate potential housing options online. These websites offer comprehensive details regarding amenities, transport links, and other crucial information, simplifying the search for those relocating from overseas.
### Searching for a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, I focused on finding a room in Central London. My aim was to remain close to primary attractions, social venues, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. London’s extensive transportation system—which encompasses the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones.
To minimize transportation expenses, I opted for walking short distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the **Oyster card** served as a budget-friendly option for traveling to university. Nevertheless, it should be noted that traveling between zones can reach as high as £5.25 daily. In addition to the Tube, the **London Overground** and **National Rail** services connect to regions beyond Central London, providing further travel alternatives with fares that vary depending on the distance and train service.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but comes with elevated living costs. To manage my budget, I chose to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to meet fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that private rentals might lack.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, being near supermarkets was essential. Common supermarket chains in London such as **Tesco**, **Sainsbury’s**, and **Co-op** abound, while budget-friendly choices like **Aldi**, **Lidl**, and **Iceland** cater to students aiming to cut costs. The convenience of being near essential shops, including pharmacies, is incredibly useful—especially during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can feel overwhelming due to the city’s vastness and diversity. The ethnic communities in London play an important role in its cultural fabric, presenting an array of vibrant neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to flock toward areas that reflect the culture and familiarity of their native countries.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is celebrated for its rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and bustling music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of the West End, serves as a vibrant hub of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods represent just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the most suitable place to live in London is contingent on your personal tastes, lifestyle, and priorities. Whether you are attracted by the cultural vibrancy of specific neighborhoods, the convenience of central areas, or the affordability of outer zones, London has something for everyone.
For those in search of a new residence in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace the diversity of its housing options, delve into its cultural communities, and fully engage in the excitement and convenience that London has to offer.
—
*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/)*