**Life in London: A Nine-Month Retrospective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic and varied city. London is recognized not just for its diverse accommodation possibilities but also for the vibrant cultural mosaic of its communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is quite simple. Yet, international students can make use of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover accommodations digitally. These sites furnish information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, facilitating the process for those relocating from other countries.
### Discovering a Place to Live
When I commenced my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near significant attractions, social centers, and my university at Imperial College was crucial. London is arranged into six concentric zones, where zones one and two represent the most central areas. The city’s remarkable transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—renders traversing these zones effortless.
To economize on travel expenses, which can reach £5.25 daily for cross-zone trips, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. For extended journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making it an economical choice for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach outside the Underground network, linking outer zones to the central city. However, charges for these services differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also entails substantial living expenses. To cope with costs, I shared a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations as they allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something more challenging to find with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to budget-conscious shoppers. The convenience of having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies within walking distance was invaluable, especially during exam times when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be overwhelming, given the city’s vast diversity. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural essence, presenting an array of neighborhoods to discover.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music landscape. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the bustling West End offers a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods provide international students with a sense of belonging and a link to their cultural heritage.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and necessities. Whether you value nearness to your university, cultural experiences, or affordability, London caters to all tastes. As you look for a new residence in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its various accommodation options, dive into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*