**Insights on Nine Months in London: A Student Living Handbook**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient to gather some significant insights into life within this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing selections, including student accommodations and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
Home students typically find it relatively easy to schedule apartment viewings, while international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for potential residences online. These platforms furnish details about amenities, access to public transport, and other vital information, simplifying the process for newcomers to the city.
### Locating Your Home
As I initiated my accommodation search, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—including the Underground (or Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates travel across different zones.
Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fare options, making it an economical choice for students. In addition, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of Central London. Fares for these services vary depending on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the operating company.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a friend, which significantly lessened our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, having grocery stores nearby was crucial. London offers various supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to cut costs. Being situated near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during busy times, like exam periods, when time is precious.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting, considering the city’s expansiveness and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mixture of traditions and cuisines. A number of international students tend to gravitate toward neighborhoods that mirror the familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its lively Afro-Caribbean culture and music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End offers a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods exemplify just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Maximizing London Living
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London is contingent on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you are enticed by the city’s cultural diversity, convenience, or lively social atmosphere, London has something to cater to everyone. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, take advantage of the variety of accommodation opportunities, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the vibrant experience of London life.
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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/)*