**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my experience of living in London. Although this might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has allowed me to gather essential perspectives on life in this lively city. London is celebrated not only for its rich heritage and famous landmarks but also for its varied communities and wide range of housing options. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city provides an assortment of accommodation types, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
International students find platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom particularly helpful for discovering potential housing online. These websites offer information regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and even virtual tours. In contrast, local students frequently benefit from the possibility of scheduling in-person viewings.
### Locating a Residence
In my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to significant attractions, social venues, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s superb public transport system—featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones.
Nonetheless, commuting expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I made it a point to walk short distances whenever feasible. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides discounted fares for students. Aside from the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to further zones, though ticket prices can vary based on distance and the train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I shared a room with a friend, thus significantly lowering our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, which allowed me to bond with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that can be more difficult to achieve with private rentals.
### Close to Necessities
A major priority for me was to reside near grocery stores. London boasts numerous supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appealing to those aiming to cut costs. Living nearby essential shops and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam time when every moment counts.
### Discovering London’s Diverse Communities
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s cultural variety and vibrant communities. Many international students tend to favor areas that provide a feeling of familiarity. For example:
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural wealth that London presents.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London hinges on your personal taste and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its accessibility, or its vibrant atmosphere, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the variety, explore your options, and maximize your experience in this extraordinary city.
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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/)