**Nine Months in London: Lessons Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to acquire several important insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the vibrant fabric of communities that consider it their home. For students, the city provides an abundance of housing alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private leases, including ensuite rooms, shared facilities, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly uncomplicated. Conversely, for international students, sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are extremely useful. These platforms enable prospective renters to browse properties online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. My aim was to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can escalate quickly. For example, inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. When absolutely necessary, I utilized an Oyster card, which considerably lowers commuting costs for students. For longer trips, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, though pricing differs based on the distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also presents its challenges, particularly the elevated cost of living. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, resulting in significant rent savings. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something more challenging to find with private rentals.
### Convenience is Key
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a crucial factor. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam season.
### Discovering London’s Communities
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities are a fundamental aspect of its cultural essence, offering an array of neighborhoods to uncover. Many international students are attracted to areas that mirror the familiarity of their home countries.
For instance, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, has a reputation for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End provides a bustling hub of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the various neighborhoods contributing to London’s uniqueness.
### Selecting Your Ideal Area
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. Whether you are drawn to the city’s cultural enclaves, its conveniences, or its lively atmosphere, London has something for everyone.
As you search for a place to establish your home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices. Explore its cultural neighborhoods, and seize the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*