**Residing in London: Nine Months of Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided ample opportunity to gather meaningful observations about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options, from student accommodations to private rentals, inclusive of ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For international scholars, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom simplify the process of searching and reserving accommodations online, supplying information about facilities and closeness to public transport. Conversely, home students typically enjoy the benefit of arranging in-person visits.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my search, my priority was to secure a room in Central London, enabling proximity to major attractions, social centers, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The city boasts an outstanding transport network—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel across zones.
Nevertheless, intra-zonal travel can incur high costs, reaching as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk smaller distances rather than rely on public transport. For university journeys, discounted Oyster card alternatives considerably lessened travel expenses. Beyond the Tube, services such as London Overground and National Rail reach areas outside Central London, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and train providers.
Residing in Central London brings its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To manage costs, I shared a room with a friend, allowing us to save significantly on rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations for the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that is more difficult to achieve in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
Being situated near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students with tight budgets. Proximity to necessary stores, including pharmacies, was invaluable, especially during exam times when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Determining the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s immense size and variety. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods that embody diverse heritages.
For example, Southall in West London is celebrated for its lively South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and spirited music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, boasts a bustling area of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods offer a sense of belonging for international students seeking to connect with their roots.
### Concluding Reflections
The ideal location to reside in London ultimately hinges on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its convenience, or its lively atmosphere, London has delights for everyone. Exploring the variety of its accommodation options and communities is part of the experience.
Living in London has been a profoundly enriching journey, and I am excited to uncover even more about this extraordinary city in the upcoming months.
—
*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/)*