**Experiencing Life in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. While this timeframe might appear brief, it has sufficed to gather significant reflections on living in this lively and ever-evolving metropolis. London is well-known not only for its varied housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals, encompassing ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares.
Domestic students find it simple to secure apartment viewings, while international students can depend on sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually check out potential living spaces. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities and accessibility to public transportation, enhancing the search experience.
### Securing a Residence
When I commenced my housing search, I focused on locating a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—ensures easy navigation across the zones.
To minimize travel expenses—since crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily—I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides budget-friendly travel solutions for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, spanning outer zones. However, ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the fare policies set by the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. To manage my budget, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which allowed for interactions with peers from various backgrounds and ages—a social atmosphere that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to necessary shops and pharmacies is highly convenient, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s immense scope and variety. London’s ethnic communities are a fundamental aspect of its cultural richness, presenting distinct neighborhoods that cater to numerous tastes and preferences.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Concurrently, Chinatown in the West End showcases a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods create a sense of familiarity for international students seeking a link to their cultural heritage.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the most suitable area to inhabit in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether that means being close to your institution, immersing in cultural enclaves, or affordability, London holds something special for everyone. As you embark on the quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, embrace its diversity, delve into its rich cultural landscape, and fully enjoy the convenience and thrill it 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/)*