**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of living in London. Although this period might not appear extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to gain insights into this dynamic city. London is varied not only in its housing options but also in the communities that reside within it. For students, the city presents an array of housing alternatives, including student accommodations and private rentals, featuring choices like ensuite rooms, shared facilities, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is simple, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse available properties from afar. These sites offer information about amenities, access to public transport, and other crucial details that assist students in making well-informed choices.
### Locating a Place to Call Your Own
When I initiated my accommodation quest, I concentrated on Central London to remain close to main attractions, social venues, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. For extended trips, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making commuting more budget-friendly for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services link to outer zones, extending beyond the Underground network. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London offers advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To lessen costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, greatly decreasing our rental payments. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a goal that is more difficult to reach in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores and pharmacies nearby is incredibly helpful, particularly during busy periods like exam times.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s rich cultural variety. Many international students prefer areas that remind them of their home countries. For example:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and spirited music scene.
– **Chinatown**, at the heart of the West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of London’s multicultural diversity, each presenting a distinct sense of community.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best neighborhood in London is contingent on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to cultural neighborhoods, proximity to essential services, or the excitement of Central London, the city has something to offer everyone.
As you seek a place to call home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its wide-ranging accommodation options, immerse yourself in its rich cultural landscape, and relish the convenience and liveliness that London 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/)