**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months back, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Although it may appear to be a brief period, it has provided me with several important insights about life in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied accommodation alternatives but also for its rich multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents an abundance of options, from student residences to private housing, such as ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can turn to resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online. These resources offer comprehensive information about amenities and the accessibility of properties to public transport, simplifying the search procedure.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my quest, my attention was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near significant landmarks, social centers, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The remarkable public transport system—including the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—makes traversing between zones effortless.
To cut down on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Traveling between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily, but utilizing an Oyster card considerably lowers commuting costs. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, providing wider coverage. However, the fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure set by the train operator.
Residing in Central London does come with a steep cost. To alleviate expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow student from the same university. This arrangement significantly reduced our rental costs. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an aspect that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Importance of Accessibility
For me, being near supermarkets was a top priority. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve those wanting to stretch their budgets. Proximity to essential stores and pharmacies is especially beneficial during busy times like exam periods, as it cuts down on errand-running.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Mosaic
Selecting the right district in London can be overwhelming. The city’s extensive cultural richness is mirrored in its various ethnic communities, each offering a distinctive experience. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is famed for its lively South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is lauded for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling neighborhood brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods represent just a fraction of London’s multicultural landscape.
### Finding Your Ideal Locale
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London largely depends on individual tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s various housing options, cultural hubs, or the ease of its transport network, London provides something for everyone.
My experience here has been truly rewarding, and I urge anyone in search of a new home in this exceptional city to embrace its diversity, explore its neighborhoods, and fully enjoy what London has in store.
—
*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/)*