**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a brief period, it has been sufficient to acquire important perspectives on life in this dynamic and diverse metropolis. London is not only famous for its rich historical heritage and famous sites but also for its extensive selection of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city provides a plethora of options, ranging from student residences to private living arrangements, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online. These platforms offer comprehensive information about facilities, closeness to public transport, and other vital details, streamlining the search process.
### Locating a Place to Reside
When I first started my search for housing, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social centers, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The exceptional transportation system of the city—including the Underground (popularly called the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
To cut travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day, so minimizing these costs was important. For longer trips, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card drastically lowered travel expenses. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing access to areas outside central London. However, prices for these services vary according to distance and the specific train operator.
Living in Central London has its benefits but also steep living expenses. To manage costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I chose to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed interaction with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is often more difficult to find in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. London boasts numerous supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also easily accessible. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies proved to be a time-saving advantage, especially during hectic periods like exam times.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London is quite a challenge, as the city’s ethnic communities enrich its cultural tapestry. Many international students tend to favor areas that provide a sense of familiarity and a connection to their native countries.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Additionally, Chinatown in the West End offers a bustling array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of London’s diverse cultural centers.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to live in London ultimately depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural quarters, its central attractions, or its convenient transport connections, London presents a plethora of options for everyone. Embrace the diversity, delve into the wealth of accommodation choices, and savor the unique experiences this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)*