**Residing in London: Reflections from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of living in London. While it may not seem like an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to collect significant insights into life within this lively and diverse metropolis. London is not only recognized for its deep-rooted history and culture, but also for its multitude of housing options and prosperous communities. For students, the city presents a myriad of accommodation possibilities, encompassing student housing, private rentals, ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling viewings for flats is relatively easy. However, international students frequently depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine possible rentals online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport links.
### Searching for a Home
When I initiated my housing search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Residing centrally allowed me to be near key attractions, energetic hubs, and, most importantly, my university campus at Imperial College London. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport system—including the Underground (“tube”), buses, and trains—facilitating seamless movement between zones.
Nevertheless, transportation expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, inter-zonal fares can reach as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card system has proven invaluable, providing discounted fares for students. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside the central zones. The costs for these services vary based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, as it gave me the chance to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups—something that private rentals might not have facilitated as effectively.
### Access to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. London offers a diverse selection of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a challenging task due to the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, resulting in vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that resonate with the familiarity of their homeland.
For instance:
– **Southall** in West London features a large South Asian population, with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the core of London’s West End, thrives as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous cultural enclaves that make London such a distinctive and hospitable city.
### Concluding Reflections
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London is dictated by your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural wealth, its diverse housing options, or its convenience and connectivity, London provides something for everyone.
For those starting their own journey to discover a home in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace its diversity, explore its neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities that arise.
—
*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/)*