**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Though this may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been ample time to gather several insightful lessons about this dynamic and multifaceted city. London presents not just an extensive array of housing options but also a vibrant mix of communities that contribute to its distinctive living experience. For students, the city showcases a multitude of housing selections, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite straightforward. In contrast, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These platforms enable users to examine amenities, contrast prices, and evaluate proximity to public transport links, simplifying the search process considerably.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
Upon initiating my housing search, my goal was to find a room in Central London. I aimed to reside near key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement across these zones.
To minimize travel expenses—since inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily—I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer distances, I utilized an Oyster card, which significantly lowered travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside Central London. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structures of train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was likewise studying at university. This setup allowed us to divide the rent, making it more economical. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations since they offered a chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something often more difficult with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was a top priority. The most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prominently available. Living near essential outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time and proves especially advantageous during hectic periods like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities form a vital component of its cultural identity, offering a myriad of experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that provide a sense of familiarity.
For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Concurrently, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End presents an assortment of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are just a few highlights of the city’s rich cultural offerings.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to live in London hinges on your personal passions and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural depth, its efficient transport system, or its diverse housing options, London caters to all. My suggestion for anyone hunting for a home here is to welcome the diversity, explore the cultural neighbourhoods, and fully enjoy the excitement that this extraordinary city 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/)*