**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on my adventure of living in London. Although this timeframe may not appear extensive, it has granted me significant perspectives on life in this lively and multicultural metropolis. London is not merely a center of cultural and historical sites; it also presents a broad range of housing choices and flourishing communities. Whether you are a student or a working professional, there’s something available for everyone here.
### Securing Housing in London
London offers an abundance of accommodation possibilities for students, from lodging specifically designed for students to private rentals. Options range from ensuite to shared bathrooms, private rooms to shared spaces, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging an in-person apartment viewing is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for potential homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
When I initiated my housing search, my primary goal was to locate a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s extensive public transportation network—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones.
Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be costly, reaching up to £5.25 per day. To minimize transport expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. For longer journeys, the Oyster card has been incredibly useful, providing discounted fares for students. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with fares varying based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living costs. To alleviate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to engage with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic that’s often more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Access to Essentials
One of my main concerns was living close to supermarkets. London has a range of supermarket choices, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland being widely accessible. Proximity to essential stores and pharmacies has proven to be very convenient, particularly during hectic times like exams.
### Picking the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be overwhelming, considering the city’s vast cultural richness. London’s ethnic communities are intricately woven into its society, resulting in distinctive and lively neighborhoods. Many international students tend to settle in areas that evoke a sense of home.
For example, Southall in West London is well-known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a busy area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are just a few instances of the cultural wealth London provides.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to cultural neighborhoods, seeking closeness to your university, or looking for economical housing, London has options for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its vibrant neighborhoods, and take full advantage of the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*