**Living in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to gain some meaningful insights about life in this lively city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city boasts an extensive selection of housing alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. These selections feature ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling viewings for apartments is fairly simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online. These platforms offer comprehensive details regarding amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other critical information, facilitating a smoother search process.
### Finding a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I concentrated on renting a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is split into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s superb public transport system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation across these zones.
To cut down on commuting expenses—since traveling between zones can reach £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides cost-effective travel options for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services cover areas outside central London, extending beyond the Underground network. However, fares for these services can vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London brings certain advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This setup significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Proximity to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was a must-have. Some of the most common supermarkets found in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prevalent. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a substantial amount of time, particularly during exam sessions when every moment matters.
### Exploring London’s Diverse Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, offering a vast range of experiences. Numerous international students are drawn to regions that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is famed for its vibrant South Asian community, brimming with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. In the meantime, Chinatown nestled in the heart of London’s West End presents a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a few examples of the cultural enclaves that make London special.
### Finding Your Ideal Spot
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural diversity, convenient transport links, or lively social atmosphere, there’s something appealing for everyone.
As you begin your search for a new home in London, appreciate the diverse accommodation options, delve into the city’s cultural wealth, and relish the thrill of living in this extraordinary metropolis.
—
*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/)*