**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire some significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich diversity of communities that make it their home. For students, the city provides a wide array of living accommodations, including student housing, private rentals, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For students from the UK, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate prospective accommodations online. These services offer comprehensive details about facilities and accessibility to public transport, simplifying the process for those newcomers to the city.
### Securing My Spot in Central London
As I initiated my quest for a living space, I concentrated on identifying a room in Central London. I aimed to remain in close proximity to main attractions, social scenes, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six circular zones, with the first and second being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel across the zones.
To economize on travel expenses—given that traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily—I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For more extended journeys, I discovered that Oyster cards greatly decreased travel costs. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, providing broader access for those residing outside the central zones.
Residing in Central London, nonetheless, entails a considerable cost. To alleviate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, leading to significant savings on rent. I also chose to stay in intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a pursuit that would have been tougher with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery shops was essential. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students aiming to conserve funds. Proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, proved crucial, particularly during hectic exam periods when time constraints are critical.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be overwhelming, given the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities form a fundamental aspect of its cultural depth, presenting a variety of distinct neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that echo the familiarity of their native countries.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizeable South Asian community, filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is home to a vibrant Afro-Caribbean atmosphere and a lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End features a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas are just a few representations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best place to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its efficient transport system, or its varied housing options, London accommodates everyone. My tip for anyone on the lookout for a home here is to embrace the diversity of the city, delve into its rich cultural offerings, and fully enjoy the excitement and opportunities that London presents.
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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/)*