**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this period may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its wide array of accommodation opportunities but also for its rich, multicultural communities. For students, the city presents numerous housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential residences online. These resources furnish detailed descriptions of facilities and proximity to public transportation, enhancing the search experience.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
At the outset of my quest, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transportation network, encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel among zones.
To minimize travel costs—given that inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transportation. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides discounted fares for students. Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside central London; however, fares can vary based on distance and operator pricing.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rental fees. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, allowing me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something more difficult to achieve with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. London features a range of supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students aiming to save money. Being close to necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proved to be indispensable, particularly during exam periods when time is critical.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London can prove to be a daunting task due to the city’s vastness and diversity. The ethnic communities in London significantly contribute to its cultural makeup, offering a rich tapestry of traditions and experiences. Many international students find themselves drawn to neighbourhoods that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its vibrant South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, boasts a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s multicultural hubs.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural depth, convenience, or dynamic social milieu, London has something to offer for everyone. As you seek a place to settle, take the opportunity to explore the city’s varied accommodation choices and immerse yourself in its distinct neighbourhoods. Living in London is an adventure, and every corner of this extraordinary city presents something new to discover.
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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/)*