### Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Living
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to gain several important insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is not only famous for its wide array of living arrangements but also for the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city boasts a multitude of housing options, encompassing student residences as well as private leases. Choices range from ensuite to shared bathrooms, private versus shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing online. These websites offer information regarding amenities, distance to public transport, and other vital details.
### Locating Your Home Sweet Home
As I searched for accommodation, my main goal was to find a room in Central London. Being near key landmarks, social spots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. The city’s robust transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between the different zones.
Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be costly, with fares reaching up to £5.25 each day. To cut down on travel costs, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For university journeys, using an oyster card significantly lowers the travel expenses. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, providing access to areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing system of the respective train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings about increased living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I chose to share a room with a fellow student. This setup allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I decided on intercollegiate student housing, as it offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that might have been more challenging with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to supermarkets was a major factor. Some of the most prevalent grocery stores in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those seeking more affordable options, chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are widely preferred. Proximity to essential establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proves to be very useful, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in shaping its cultural identity, providing a distinctive mix of traditions and experiences. Numerous international students find themselves attracted to regions that offer a sense of familiarity.
For example, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery retail, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its lively Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling area complete with Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the varied neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Adapting to London Life
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is determined by your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots or its contemporary amenities, London has something to offer everyone. Delving into the variety of living arrangements, engaging in its rich cultural tapestry, and relishing the thrills of city life are all integral to the experience.
London is an unparalleled city, and my time here has been an extraordinary voyage up until now.
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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/)*