**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set out on my journey of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful knowledge about life in this lively and varied metropolis. London is celebrated not just for its rich heritage and cultural sites, but also for its extensive array of housing options and vibrant communities. Be it students or professionals, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For international students, online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom serve as essential resources for discovering housing alternatives. These sites furnish comprehensive details about amenities, rental prices, and locations relative to public transport, facilitating your relocation planning. On the other hand, home students frequently benefit from the opportunity to schedule in-person viewings of apartments.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, my primary goal was to secure a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is partitioned into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transit system—comprising the Underground (commonly termed the Tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies movement between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, inter-zonal trips may cost as much as £5.25 per day. To cut down on costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transit. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides discounted travel options for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, servicing outer zones. Although fares fluctuate based on distance and operator, these options are ideal for those residing further from the city center.
Residing in Central London does entail a steep cost, but I was fortunate to share a room with a friend, which considerably alleviated our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed for interaction with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something private rentals do not easily provide.
### Convenience of Essentials
For me, living in close proximity to grocery stores was crucial. London features an array of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, which are readily accessible. For more economical choices, retailers like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve as excellent alternatives. Having essential stores and pharmacies nearby is particularly advantageous during busy periods, such as exam months, when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge, as the city’s ethnic communities contribute a distinctive depth to its cultural fabric. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that resonate with the comforts of their home nations.
For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean cultural scene and lively music ambiance. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the diverse communities that render London truly remarkable.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you emphasize closeness to cultural centers, budget constraints, or community spirit, London has something to cater to everyone.
As you embark on your search for a new residence in this extraordinary city, take time to discover its diverse housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized 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/)