**Living in London: Nine Months of Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to collect some insightful perspectives about life in this lively and diverse metropolis. London is renowned not just for its legendary landmarks but also for its extensive array of housing alternatives and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a multitude of living options, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, yet international students typically depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing opportunities online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities and distance to public transport, facilitating the search process.
### Securing a Residence
When I initiated my quest for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s excellent public transport system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy navigation between these zones.
To economize on travel expenses—since inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 per day—I chose to walk shorter distances when feasible. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which greatly lessens travel costs for students. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. Nonetheless, the fares for these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, albeit with steep living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share my accommodation with a friend who was also pursuing studies. This arrangement allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also chose intercollegiate student housing, as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that private housing might not easily facilitate.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was paramount. London boasts a selection of supermarkets, including popular choices like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, turned out to be incredibly handy, particularly during hectic phases like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in which to live can be a daunting task, considering London’s expansive and diverse landscape. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of unique districts. Many international students are drawn to areas reminiscent of their homeland.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a handful of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s charm.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the cultural vibrancy of its neighbourhoods, the logistics of its transportation network, or the allure of its central sites, London has something for everyone.
For those on the lookout for a home in this extraordinary city, I urge you to appreciate the diversity of its accommodation choices, delve into its lively communities, and take full advantage of all that London has to offer.
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*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/)