**Nine Months in London: Discoveries Made**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to acquire crucial understandings of life in this lively and ever-changing city. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for the multicultural communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private leases, which include ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares.
For international students, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom simplify the process of searching for potential homes online, allowing them to review amenities and evaluate distances to public transport. Conversely, home students can easily arrange for in-person viewings of apartments.
### Seeking a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my search for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation infrastructure—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between the zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly. For instance, traveling between zones can set you back by as much as £5.25 each day. To minimize spending, I chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that using an Oyster card greatly alleviated travel costs. Additionally, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas outside the Underground network and vary in fares based on distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London certainly comes with an elevated price point. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, resulting in significant savings on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, as it allowed me to interact with individuals from different backgrounds and similar age ranges—a social fabric that’s more challenging to find in private accommodations.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery outlets was essential. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are commonplace, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near necessary stores, namely supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor, given the city’s size and diversity. The ethnic communities in London are a fundamental part of its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant mix of experiences. Numerous international students gravitate toward locales that evoke memories of home.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively musical atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, stores, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods represent merely a fraction of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the cultural richness of the city, its varied accommodation styles, or its accessible transport options, London caters to everyone. Embrace the experience of discovering your new home, delve into the city’s lively neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
—
*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/)