**Experiencing London: A Nine-Month Review**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my venture into life in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it has provided ample opportunities to understand and delve into the city’s exceptional vibrancy. London is acclaimed not only for its variety of housing options but also for the diverse communities residing here. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, including student halls, private rentals, ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is generally simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to find properties, evaluate amenities, and check their closeness to public transportation.
### Securing a Place to Live
Upon initiating my housing search, my main goal was to secure a room in Central London. It was crucial for me to be near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an excellent transport network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, making movement between zones efficient.
To cut down on travel expenses—given that inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 each day—I decided to walk short distances rather than depend on transit. For longer journeys, using an Oyster card provides cost-effective travel solutions for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services link the outer zones to the city center, though fares vary based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but I was able to save considerably by sharing a room with a university friend. We opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, which allowed us to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is less prevalent in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, having grocery stores nearby was an essential requirement. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to minimize expenditures. Proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly useful during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London can be overwhelming due to the city’s cultural variety and vibrant ethnic communities. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For example:
– **Southall (West London):** Recognized for its significant South Asian community, Southall features Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton (South London):** Noteworthy for its Afro-Caribbean community, Brixton serves as a center for dynamic music and cultural experiences.
– **Chinatown (West End):** A bustling area known for its Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are just a few exemplars of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you find yourself attracted to the city’s cultural abundance, its diverse accommodation choices, or the practicality of being close to important amenities, London caters to all.
For those on the hunt for a new residence in this extraordinary city, embrace its diversity, wander through its lively neighbourhoods, and relish the unmatched experience of residing in London.
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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/)*