**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Retrospective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my experience of living in London. Although this may not appear as a significant duration, it has provided ample opportunity to gather meaningful understandings about life in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for the vibrant mosaic of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents an abundance of lodging options, ranging from student accommodations to private housing, including ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio units, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is usually quite simple. In contrast, international students frequently depend on services like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online. These websites supply details about facilities, nearness to public transport, and other critical information, streamlining the experience for those relocating internationally.
### Locating a Home
When I initiated my search for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain near key landmarks, social gathering spots, and most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city boasts an impressive transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transit. Travels between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day, but student-advantageous Oyster card options greatly diminish commuting costs. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services span beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones. However, ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of train operators.
Living in Central London, while advantageous, comes with substantial costs. To keep expenses manageable, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This arrangement enabled us to distribute the rent and save considerably. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is often difficult to replicate in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being located near grocery stores was of utmost importance. London boasts a selection of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores, such as food markets and pharmacies, is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Appropriate Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London poses a challenge, as the city’s multicultural communities greatly enhance its cultural depth. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that mirror the familiarity of their native countries. For example:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing establishments.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, provides a lively hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that distinguish London.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied housing selections, its rich cultural communities, or the convenience of its transport options, London possesses something for everyone.
As I ponder my experiences here, I’ve grown to value the diversity, vibrance, and opportunities that London offers. For anyone in search of a new residence in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to delve into its myriad facets and welcome the adventure that lies ahead.
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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/)*