**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to impart several important lessons regarding life in this dynamic and varied city. London is renowned not only for its famous landmarks and rich historical tapestry but also for its extensive array of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the metropolis presents plentiful choices, ranging from university lodgings to private residences, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is relatively simple, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online. These resources offer information on amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial details, making the search process more straightforward.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hotspots, and my academic institution at Imperial College was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transportation system, encompassing the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation among these zones.
Nonetheless, travel costs can accumulate quickly. For instance, inter-zonal trips can be as high as £5.25 per day. To cut expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted travel alternatives for students. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services vary depending on distance and the specific train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also increased living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also attending university. This arrangement considerably lowered our rental cost. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—which can be more challenging to achieve with private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, living near grocery outlets was an essential factor. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For more wallet-friendly alternatives, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are fantastic options. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Diverse Communities
Selecting the right neighborhood in London is quite the challenge. The city’s rich cultural variety is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke feelings of home.
For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that render London extraordinary.
### Discovering Your Ideal Spot
Ultimately, the most suitable location to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural wealth, its practicality, or its lively social life, there is a niche for everyone here. While you navigate the process of finding a home in London, embrace the diversity of its housing options, delve into its unique neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of this amazing city.
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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/)*