**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it has provided me with significant insights into living in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the diverse array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, spanning from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling viewings for apartments is fairly easy. However, international students might turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities and accessibility to public transport, enhancing the ease of the searching process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social hubs, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts a superb transport network—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that allows seamless navigation between zones.
To keep travel expenses low, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but affordable options such as the Oyster card have made commuting less expensive for students. For longer travels, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, providing extra connectivity. However, costs for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structures of train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To alleviate costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement greatly decreased our rental fees. I decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was keen to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something private rentals might not have easily facilitated.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was a crucial factor. Some of the most common supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely favored. Being situated close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time and energy, especially during hectic periods like exams.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s stunning variety. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, featuring distinctive neighbourhoods that appeal to different tastes and preferences.
For example, Southall in West London has a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods offer a sense of comfort for international students yearning for a connection to their home cultures.
### Maximizing Your London Experience
In the end, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its diverse housing options, or its convenient transportation, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the vibrancy of this extraordinary city and relish the unique experiences it presents.
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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/)*