**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of living in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has provided me with ample opportunities to discover various aspects of this lively and ever-evolving city. London is not only celebrated for its wide variety of housing options but also for the rich cultural landscape of its neighborhoods. As a student, I quickly realized that there are numerous housing alternatives available, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite bathrooms and shared ones, private rooms and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For students living at home, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple. However, international students can rely on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to navigate their accommodation options virtually, evaluate amenities, and understand their proximity to public transport.
### Discovering the Ideal Place to Reside
When I started my hunt for a place to live, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social venues, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which makes traveling between these zones convenient.
To minimize travel expenses, which can climb up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For longer trips, I discovered that the Oyster card options significantly lowered transportation costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing connections to outer zones. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This arrangement allowed us to save considerably on rent. I chose to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is more challenging to accomplish with private rentals.
### Close to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was important. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely available, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, proved to be invaluable, especially during hectic exam periods when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighborhoods
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its identity, offering a rich array of cultural experiences. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is well-known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is home to a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are just a few of the many cultural focal points that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Establishing Your Space in London
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing choices, cultural neighborhoods, or the ease of its transport links, London has something to offer everyone. As I continue my journey in this extraordinary city, I have learned to appreciate its diversity, vibrancy, and the countless opportunities that await.
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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/)*