**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months in the City**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure in London, and while it may not be perceived as an extensive duration, it has certainly been sufficient to acquire some insightful lessons about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing options but also for the rich mosaic of communities that reside here. For students, the city provides a plethora of selections, from student accommodation to private housing, offering options such as ensuite facilities, shared restrooms, private chambers, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. Nevertheless, international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online, review the amenities on offer, and evaluate their distance from public transport connections.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
During my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near significant landmarks, social gathering spots, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement between these areas.
To lower travel expenses (which can escalate to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys), I opted to stroll short distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer distances, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card significantly cut down on travel costs. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail provide services beyond the Underground network, ensuring wider reach. Nonetheless, fares for these services vary based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet the cost of living is undeniably steep. To manage my budget, I decided to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to considerably reduce our rent expenses. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I desired to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that private housing might not have facilitated as readily.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, having grocery stores in close proximity was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-conscious options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students aiming to economize. Being near vital stores, including pharmacies, is particularly helpful during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Appropriate Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an intimidating endeavor, given the city’s enormity and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in shaping its cultural identity, presenting an array of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is notable for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods offer international students a sense of familiarity and connection to their native cultures.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to settle in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to cultural hubs, closeness to your university, or availability of essential amenities, London has something to cater to everyone.
As you seek a place to call home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to appreciate its diversity, delve into its rich cultural landscape, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
—
*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/)*