**Nine Months in London: Insights from a Student’s Viewpoint**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has been ample to gain extensive knowledge about this lively and multicultural metropolis. London is famed not just for its deep-rooted history and famous sites but also for its vast selection of housing arrangements and diverse communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of living options, from student housing to private rentals. These options encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is generally hassle-free. On the other hand, international students can use platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for available accommodations online. These sites offer comprehensive details about facilities and closeness to public transport, facilitating informed choices prior to arriving in the city.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I commenced my search for housing, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an impressive transportation system, including the Underground (popularly known as the Tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse these zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can escalate rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card notably decreased travel costs. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground system, providing enhanced access to outer zones.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with a significant cost. To keep expenses manageable, I opted to share a room with a fellow student. This setup enabled us to split the rental costs and save substantially. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations because they allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages—something that is tougher to achieve with private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, being near supermarkets was a high priority. London features a range of grocery stores, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For more economical choices, shops such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are fantastic options. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies has proven invaluable, especially during hectic exam times when every minute counts.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities are critical to its cultural identity, providing a vibrant array of traditions and cuisines. Many international students tend to flock to areas mirroring the comfort of their home cultures.
For example, Southall in West London is a center for the South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the bustling West End of London showcases a lively community of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods highlight the city’s stunning diversity and offer a sense of community for those far from home.
### Appreciating London’s Diversity
The ideal place to live in London ultimately hinges on your individual interests and preferences. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural hubs or favor the convenience of central locations, London is full of opportunities for everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the hunt for housing here is to engage with the city’s diversity and vibrancy, explore its distinct neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the ease and excitement that London provides.
Living in London has been a fulfilling experience, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more about this extraordinary city in the months ahead.
*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/)*