**Residing in London: Reflections on Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I initiated my experience of residing in London. Although this may not appear as lengthy, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire meaningful knowledge about life in one of the globe’s most vibrant cities. London is renowned for its varied accommodation possibilities as well as its rich and lively communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing options, from student lodgings to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling viewings for apartments is fairly uncomplicated. However, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details on amenities and closeness to public transport, simplifying the search process.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I commenced my hunt for accommodation, I was eager to lease a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones.
To keep travel expenses low, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but discounted Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. In addition to the Underground, services such as London Overground and National Rail reach areas outside of central London, although fares can vary based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living costs. To control expenses, I shared a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that is often rarer in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, living near supermarkets was a must-have. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to students seeking to cut costs. Being situated near essential stores, including pharmacies, proves to be especially handy during busy times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the correct neighbourhood in London can be a complex choice. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, offering a rich array of unique neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that echo the culture and familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural activities. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the vibrant cultural landscape London presents.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing options, its cultural enclaves, or its convenience and vibrancy, London provides something for everyone. Embrace the adventure of discovering your home in this extraordinary city, and relish all it has to offer.
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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/)*