**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe may appear brief, it has been sufficient to acquire significant insights into life within this dynamic city. London is not just famed for its varied accommodation options but also for the intricate blend of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides a wide array of housing choices, from student residences to private rentals. These options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Whereas domestic students can easily arrange for viewings in person, international students often resort to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout for properties online, review amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport links.
### Finding the Ideal Place to Reside
As I initiated my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares peaking at £5.25. To conserve money, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card was invaluable, providing reduced travel costs for students.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the central zones, although fares differ based on the distance and train operator. While the convenience of Central London is unparalleled, it comes with a high cost of living. To keep expenses down, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly cut our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, which offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is often harder to find in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
Living in proximity to grocery stores was another important factor for me. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to budget well. Being near essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, is particularly convenient during busy times such as exam seasons, saving both time and effort when running errands.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging task, considering the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a multitude of unique neighborhoods. Many international students tend to favor areas that offer a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Similarly, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the heart of the West End, Chinatown presents a bustling hub of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural richness that London has to offer.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best place to reside in London depends on individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central landmarks, London’s accommodation options cater to a broad spectrum of preferences. My suggestion to anyone on the lookout for a home in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and capitalize on the convenience and excitement it presents.
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*By Guest Blogger*
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/)