**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. Although this might not appear to be an extended period, it has been sufficient to gather significant experiences about life in this vibrant city. London is famous not just for its varied housing choices but also for the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an array of accommodation options, ranging from student housing to private rentals, which include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can count on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online. These sites deliver comprehensive details about amenities and location relative to public transportation, thus simplifying the search process.
### Locating a Place to Live
As I kicked off my search, I zeroed in on finding a room in Central London to remain near major attractions, social hotspots, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy travel between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, which can escalate to £5.25 daily for commutes between zones, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card proved to be invaluable, considerably lowering travel costs. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London, with fares differing based on distance and operator-specific pricing.
Residing in Central London, while advantageous, entails high living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a friend, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a social atmosphere that private rentals often lack.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was paramount. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students aiming to save money. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies is particularly useful during busy times like exam periods, conserving valuable time on errands.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Picking a neighbourhood in London is quite challenging. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home.
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene.
– **Chinatown**, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling vicinity filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These areas are merely a few instances of the cultural wealth that London has to present.
### Maximizing Your Time in London
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re exploring the city’s diverse housing options, immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, or relishing the ease of its transportation connections, London has something to offer for everyone.
My time in this extraordinary city has been a fulfilling journey, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more of what it holds.
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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/)*