**Living in London: My Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my experience of residing in London. Although this might not seem extensive, it has been sufficient to acquire essential understandings of dwelling in this dynamic city. London is recognized not just for its varied housing possibilities but also for the rich cultural fabric of its neighborhoods. For students, the city presents an array of housing arrangements, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transport options.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
In my search, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial College’s campus. London consists of six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s impressive transport system—incorporating the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between zones. However, I aimed to reduce travel costs, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To save money, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transportation.
For longer journeys, the Oyster card system has greatly lowered travel costs for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing access to outer zones. However, fare prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the train operator’s pricing scheme.
Living in Central London brings its advantages but also steep living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I shared a room with a friend, which considerably decreased our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic that’s often harder to achieve in private rentals.
### Location of Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while more economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores and pharmacies close by is incredibly helpful, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural vibrancy, offering numerous lively enclaves. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music culture. Additionally, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling nexus of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a few examples of the city’s rich cultural variety.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its lively atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone. My recommendation? Embrace the diversity, delve into the richness of its neighborhoods, and make the most of your stay in this extraordinary city.
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*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/)*