**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to impart several important lessons about life in this lively and multifaceted city. London is renowned not just for its famous sights and cultural depth but also for its diverse housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of living arrangements, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, such as ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can make use of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living options online. These platforms offer comprehensive details regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other critical factors, facilitating better planning.
### Securing My Spot in Central London
When I commenced my hunt for a residence, my emphasis was on Central London. I aspired to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies movement across these zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25.
To cut down on travel costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that employing an Oyster card drastically lowered travel expenses. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, providing wider coverage. However, the fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policy of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living costs. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also pursuing university studies. This choice allowed us to save a considerable amount on rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because they allowed for interactions with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
### The Significance of Proximity
Having grocery stores nearby was a key priority for me. London boasts a wide array of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly markets like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to essential stores and pharmacies proved essential, particularly during exam periods when time is critical.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a daunting task, given the city’s astounding diversity. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, providing unique experiences in various locales. Numerous international students are drawn to neighborhoods that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is known for its sizeable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a fraction of the rich cultural mosaic that London has to offer.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its vibrant social milieu, London has something to offer everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for a home here is to embrace the diversity, discover the wealth of accommodation choices, and dive into the thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.
—
*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/)*