**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Take on Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this lively metropolis. London is not just famed for its extensive history and culture, but also for its wide-ranging housing choices and bustling communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, from student housing to private rentals, encompassing options like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to research properties digitally. These platforms supply comprehensive details about amenities and closeness to public transport, facilitating the search process.
### Securing My Spot in Central London
As I commenced my quest for a residence, I concentrated on Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and, vital for me, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable transport network, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, enables easy movement between these zones.
To keep travel expenses down, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Yet, for longer journeys, the Oyster card affords economical travel choices for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, encompassing areas outside of central London. While traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, these services offer flexibility for those living further afield.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they presented opportunities to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a social experience that can be harder to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being situated near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students wishing to economize. Proximity to vital stores and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam periods, conserving time and energy when running errands.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood to settle in London can be an intimidating endeavor, given the city’s magnitude and diversity. London’s ethnic neighborhoods enhance its cultural vibrancy, presenting distinctive areas that mirror various traditions and lifestyles.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the core of London’s West End showcases a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas afford international students a feeling of familiarity and a link to their heritage.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal locale for living in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its practicality, or its vibrant pulse, London offers something for everyone.
As I contemplate my experiences here, I’ve grown to admire the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, the dynamic communities that comprise its neighborhoods, and the thrill of living in such a remarkable city. For anyone on the lookout for a new home in London, my recommendation is to embrace the journey, explore the city’s exceptional offerings, and make the most of this amazing opportunity.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*