**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Lifestyle**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this period might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to grasp and adjust to the subtleties of living in this lively metropolis. London serves not only as a center of cultural variety but also presents a plethora of housing options suited to its inhabitants, including students. Whether you’re in search of student accommodations or private residences, the selections are plentiful—from ensuite and shared bathrooms to single rooms, studio flats, and communal living.
For students from the UK, scheduling an apartment viewing is uncomplicated, while international students can use platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and other crucial attributes, making it easier for newcomers to navigate the city.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my accommodation search, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was key for me. London is arranged into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies travel between these zones.
Nevertheless, transportation expenses can accumulate quickly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I made the choice to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, utilizing an Oyster card greatly lessened my travel costs. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground’s reach, providing additional connectivity. Although fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and operator, they present useful options for those residing farther from the city center.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but is accompanied by soaring living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which led to considerable savings on rent. I also decided to stay in intercollegiate student residences, as they provided a unique chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is more challenging to accomplish with private housing.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a must-have. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those wishing to economize on groceries. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Suitable Neighborhood
Choosing the right neighborhood in London can be intimidating due to the city’s size and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods that showcase various heritages.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End features a bustling enclave of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods not only provide a sense of belonging for international students but also enhance the city’s cultural richness.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London boils down to your personal preferences and interests. Whether you’re attracted to cultural enclaves, the ease of central locations, or the affordability of outer zones, London has something to offer everyone.
As I contemplate my nine months here, I’ve gained an appreciation for the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices and neighborhoods. Living in this extraordinary city has been a thrilling and fulfilling experience, and I urge anyone relocating here to explore its many aspects and embrace the journey.
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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/)*