**Nine Months in London: Insights from a Student’s Perspective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be a long duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire considerable knowledge about this lively and multifaceted city. London is renowned not just for its numerous accommodation selections but also for the rich blend of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide array of options, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing online. These resources offer valuable information about amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and other crucial aspects, facilitating a smoother experience from a distance.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on Central London. Being near popular attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is sectioned into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s fantastic transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—allows for easy navigation across zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day, but using an Oyster card substantially lowers commuting costs for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the tube network, although ticket prices differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with steeper living expenses. To keep costs in check, I shared a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rent. I also chose intercollegiate student housing, as it allowed for meeting fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
### The Benefit of Location
Being close to grocery stores was another major consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are ubiquitous, while affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students seeking to economize. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during busy times such as exams.
### Picking the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s vast cultural diversity is showcased in its various ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, offering a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural pockets that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London is contingent upon your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural variety, its broad accommodation choices, or its convenience and vibrancy, London has something to offer for everyone.
For those seeking a new residence in this extraordinary city, my suggestion is to celebrate its diversity, explore its lively neighborhoods, and take full advantage of the opportunities it provides.
*By Guest Blogger*
**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/)