**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a brief interval, it has afforded me ample opportunities to gather meaningful reflections on life in this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of accommodation possibilities, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, co-living spaces, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. Conversely, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodations on the internet. These platforms offer extensive details about amenities and their closeness to public transport, streamlining the search process.
### Searching for a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I was enthusiastic about renting a room in Central London to remain in proximity to notable attractions, social hotspots, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. The city boasts a superb transportation system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. Yet, inter-zonal travel can add up, costing as much as £5.25 daily. To mitigate travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances whenever I could.
For longer distances, the Oyster card has proven to be invaluable, providing discounted rates for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. However, the fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of the operating companies.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which markedly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was a priority. London features a variety of supermarkets, with well-known choices like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores, including pharmacies, saves time and is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam periods.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London isn’t straightforward, given the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, creating distinctive enclaves that cater to various tastes and preferences.
For example, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown at the heart of the West End serves as a bustling centre for Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a fraction of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods that enhance London’s charm.
### Closing Thoughts
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent upon your personal requirements and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its contemporary amenities, London has something to offer for everyone. My recommendation? Embrace the diversity, delve into the wealth of accommodation choices, and fully enjoy the thrill this extraordinary city has in store.
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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/)*