**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my experience of residing in London. Though it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to uncover several important insights about living in this lively and multifaceted city. London serves as a center of cultural and social engagement and provides a diverse array of housing options tailored to its varied communities. Students have plentiful options, from student accommodations to private housing, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is relatively simple. Conversely, international students can turn to sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse available housing options online. These platforms supply comprehensive details about amenities, locations relative to public transport, and other vital information, streamlining the search process considerably.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my housing search, I aimed to rent a room in Central London. Being close to prominent sights, social venues, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London splits into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s superb transport system, which consists of the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across zones.
However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To cut expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card provides reduced fare options, making it a favored choice among students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. The cost of these services varies based on distance and the fare structures of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with steep living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow university attendee. This decision considerably lowered our rent. I chose to live in intercollegiate student residences, hoping to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more challenging in private accommodation.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, having grocery stores in proximity was a must-have. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those on a budget, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent alternatives. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic times like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming due to the city’s immense diversity. The ethnic communities add a crucial dimension to London’s cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant variety of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke feelings of home.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End serves as an energetic hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods represent just a fraction of the cultural tapestry that London has to offer.
### Embracing Life in London
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London relies on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, its conveniences, or its lively social environment, London has something for every type of person. My recommendation for anyone on the hunt for a home in this extraordinary city is to celebrate its diversity, discover its distinctive neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities it presents.
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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/)*