**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Though this period may not appear lengthy, it has afforded me ample opportunity to collect meaningful reflections about life in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its varied accommodation options, but also for the vibrant mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, including student accommodations and private rentals, featuring choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online. These platforms offer comprehensive details regarding amenities and proximity to public transport, streamlining the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
At the outset of my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Residing centrally allowed for easy access to major sights, social hotspots, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates seamless navigation between the zones.
To minimize travel expenditure, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport, as inter-zonal travel could amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting more economical for students. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside central London, though fares for these services can vary based on distance and the operator’s pricing schemes.
Dwelling in Central London entails a significant financial commitment, but I was able to lower expenses by sharing a room with a friend. This arrangement drastically cut our rent costs. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I hoped to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic less commonly found in private housing.
### Access to Essentials
For me, proximity to supermarkets was a major concern. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widespread, while cost-effective alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is exceptionally convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming, given the city’s diversity. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural essence, presenting a rich variety of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the familiarity of their native countries.
For example, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End provides a bustling area replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods represent just a fraction of London’s multicultural landscape.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its accessible transport links, London possesses something for everyone. While searching for a new home, take the opportunity to explore the city’s myriad accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry, and relish the unique experiences this extraordinary city 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/)*