### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months prior, I relocated to London, and while this period may seem brief in the larger context, it has been sufficient to garner several significant lessons about living in this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its varied accommodation selections but also for the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing options, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
Domestic students find booking an apartment viewing to be quite simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential housing options online. These platforms furnish vital information on amenities, closeness to public transport, and other key details, facilitating the transition for those arriving from abroad.
#### Securing the Ideal Living Space
At the outset of my accommodation search, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Residing in the city’s core allowed for proximity to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and, most critically, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the most central areas. The city boasts an outstanding public transportation network—encompassing the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—which simplifies navigation between the zones.
However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, inter-zonal travel can set you back as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card system emerged as a budget-friendly option for students. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the train company’s fare structure.
Living in Central London presents its advantages along with challenges, especially regarding the high cost of living. To mitigate this, I made the decision to share a room with a friend also enrolled in university. This setup dramatically decreased our rental costs. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that’s often more challenging to find in private rentals.
#### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are widely accessible. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly beneficial, particularly during busy times such as exam periods.
#### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, crafting a mosaic of distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the culture of their home nations.
For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighbourhoods exemplify how London’s diverse communities enhance the city’s cultural landscape.
#### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the optimal place to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, its convenient transit options, or its lively social atmosphere, London caters to all tastes. Embrace the variety of housing options available, explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, and seize the unique opportunities this extraordinary city 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/)