**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 it might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has certainly provided me with significant revelations about life in this dynamic and varied city. London is famous not only for its diverse array of housing options but also for the rich blend of communities that make it their home. Students can choose from a myriad of housing arrangements, which include student residences and private rentals. Choices vary from ensuite rooms and shared bathrooms to private accommodations, studio flats, and shared homes. While local students can easily organize in-person viewings, international students typically depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate housing online, evaluate amenities, and consider accessibility to public transport.
### Locating a Place to Live
In my accommodation search, my primary focus was securing a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, vibrant social areas, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—making travel between zones straightforward. However, moving between zones can add up, with daily transport expenses peaking at £5.25. To cut down costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. For longer journeys, using an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly choice.
Aside from the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services also reach areas beyond central London, providing further travel alternatives. However, the fares for these services can fluctuate based on distance and the train company.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I chose to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement greatly lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed for meeting peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—less common in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while more economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies is incredibly handy, especially during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities serve as a foundation for its cultural variety, presenting a plethora of unique neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that resonate with the familiarity of their home countries.
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling zone filled with Chinese dining venues, stores, and cultural happenings.
These neighbourhoods are merely a glimpse of the cultural richness that London presents.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London truly hinges on your individual preferences and necessities. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place to call home or simply discovering the city, embrace the diversity of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural spots, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.
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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/)*