**Experiencing Life in London: Reflections from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has granted me the opportunity to acquire significant knowledge about life in this lively and multicultural metropolis. London is abundant in cultural opportunities and provides a vast range of housing options customized to fit the various needs of its inhabitants, including students. Whether you seek student accommodation or private leases, the city offers selections from ensuite and shared rooms to studio flats and shared houses. For international students, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate the search for housing online, complete with information about facilities and distance from public transportation. Meanwhile, domestic students can easily organize on-site viewings.
### Securing the Ideal Living Space
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social gathering spots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superior transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—provides easy movement across these zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To mitigate travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances whenever I could. For lengthier commutes, the Oyster card has been transformative, drastically lowering transport costs. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail expand the city’s coverage beyond the Underground network, although ticket prices fluctuate based on distance and railway company.
Residing in Central London brings numerous advantages but also elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a mate, which significantly reduced our rental payments. I also elected to stay in intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that might have been harder to find in private accommodations.
### Importance of Accessibility
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. London boasts a wide selection of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students aiming to save cash. Being situated close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proved immensely handy, especially during hectic exam weeks where every minute counts.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor, as the city’s diverse ethnic communities enhance its rich cultural tapestry. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the characteristics of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its vibrant South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is notable for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities abound in Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s cultural hubs, each providing a distinctive sense of community.
### Celebrating London’s Variety
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are captivated by the city’s cultural vitality, its varied accommodation options, or the ease of its public transport, London has an abundance to offer. My suggestion to anyone seeking a new residence in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, discover its various neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities it provides.
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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/)*