**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although it may not feel like an extensive period, it has allowed me to dive into the city’s dynamic culture and acquire some important insights. London is more than just a center for various housing options; it is also a melting pot of cultures from across the globe. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals, which include ensuite rooms, shared areas, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple. Conversely, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transportation.
### Finding a Place to Call Home
When I kicked off my accommodation search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social areas, and the campus of Imperial College was very important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that makes traversing between these zones effortless.
To cut down on travel expenses, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card has been a budget-friendly solution for university travels. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach farther areas outside central London, though fares fluctuate based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London can carry a high cost, but I was lucky enough to share a room with a friend, which greatly lessened our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
### Proximity to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while cost-effective choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies within reach is a major time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exams.
### Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Picking a neighbourhood in London is a significant challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are a vital element of its cultural fabric, presenting an array of diverse areas to discover. Many international students tend to lean towards neighbourhoods that resonate with the familiarity of their native countries.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End serves as a bustling hub of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of the city’s multicultural neighbourhoods.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
In the end, the best living space in London relies on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation choices, its cultural neighborhoods, or the ease of its transport systems, London has offerings for everyone. My suggestion? Celebrate the diversity, delve into the richness of the city, and fully embrace this incredible experience.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)