**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to learn several important lessons about living in this dynamic city. London is not just famous for its varied accommodation choices but also for the rich mosaic of communities that make it their home. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, including student residences and private rentals, with options ranging from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house sharing.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is typically uncomplicated. However, international students like myself often depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These platforms enable potential tenants to browse properties online, investigate available amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport links—an essential consideration when selecting a living space.
### Locating the Ideal Place to Reside
In my accommodation search, I emphasized the importance of securing a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social hotspots, and my university at Imperial College was crucial to me. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being centrally located. London’s superb transport network, including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates relatively easy movement between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that employing an Oyster card significantly lowered travel fares. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube system, making it easier to explore areas outside central London.
Residing in Central London does present its obstacles, particularly the steep cost of living. To mitigate this, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also in university. This arrangement allowed us to significantly reduce rent expenses. I also selected to stay in intercollegiate student housing, as I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more difficult to attain in private accommodations.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. London boasts a range of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students aiming to save money. Proximity to vital stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, proved vital, particularly during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be quite challenging, given the city’s exceptional diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a wealth of experiences. Many international students are drawn to areas reminiscent of their homelands.
For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its vibrant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is lauded for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the bustling West End of London offers an immersive experience with its Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas exemplify just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Concluding Remarks
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are captivated by the city’s cultural diversity, its various accommodation options, or its efficient transport connections, London has something for everyone. My suggestion to anyone hunting for a residence in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*