**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my experience of residing in London. Though this duration may appear brief, it has afforded me the opportunity to gather significant perspectives on life within this dynamic city. London is a metropolis that flourishes with its energy, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing options, including student residences and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging viewings for apartments tends to be quite simple. In contrast, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for possible housing options online. These platforms deliver information on amenities, closeness to public transit, and other important details, facilitating the search for those arriving from overseas.
### Locating My Spot in Central London
At the outset of my search, I was eager to find a room in Central London. My goal was to reside near key attractions, social gathering spots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s excellent transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—makes traveling across these zones quite convenient.
However, transportation costs can accumulate quickly. For example, traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To manage expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card proved invaluable, providing discounted fares for students. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services enhance the city’s connectivity, linking areas outside the central zones. However, these services have differing fare structures based on the distance and train provider.
Residing in Central London brings its advantages but also its drawbacks, particularly the elevated cost of living. To alleviate this, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also studying at university. This choice considerably decreased our rent costs. Furthermore, I selected to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something private rentals might have been less conducive to.
### The Significance of Location
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. London boasts a multitude of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those keen on saving money, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve as fantastic alternatives. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is no straightforward feat. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural depth, presenting a wide range of diverse areas to explore. Many international students often gravitate toward neighbourhoods that mirror the culture and familiarity of their native countries.
For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These illustrate just a few of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods that London offers.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re seeking closeness to your university, cultural connections, or simply an energetic community, London accommodates all tastes. As you embark on your search for a new abode in this extraordinary city, take time to explore its varied accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to provide.
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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/)*