**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has sufficed to impart several invaluable lessons about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is renowned not only for its varied accommodation options but also for the vibrant cultural mosaic of its neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing options, from student residences to private leases. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is relatively simple, while international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodation options online. These platforms offer comprehensive information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, enhancing accessibility for those unfamiliar with the city.
### Securing My Spot in Central London
As I initiated my housing search, my main focus was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation system—comprising the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
However, transportation expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, daily inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card noticeably decreased travel costs. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, providing connectivity to outer zones. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London boasts its advantages yet also its challenges—primarily the elevated cost of living. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement enabled us to significantly cut down on rent. I also opted to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups. This sense of community would have been more difficult to discover in private housing.
### The Necessity of Proximity to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely accessible. Being near essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, proved to be a tremendous time-saver, particularly during exam periods when every moment is valuable.
### Making the Right Neighbourhood Choice
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are a key component of its cultural identity, offering a diverse range of experiences. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the familiarity of their native countries.
For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its dynamic Afro-Caribbean culture and music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, provides a lively setting filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods represent just a few examples of the varied communities that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London relies on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central highlights, London has something to offer everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the hunt for a home here is to embrace the diversity and richness of the city’s accommodation choices, explore its lively neighborhoods, and fully capitalize on the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
—
*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/)