**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. While it may appear to be a short duration, it has provided ample opportunities to gather essential perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is renowned for its variety of accommodation options and its rich, multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents numerous housing alternatives, including student residences and private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared housing.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is largely uncomplicated. On the other hand, international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to look for housing prospects online, review available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport links.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my quest for a living space, my primary goal was to secure a room in Central London. Being close to major attractions, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. The city is partitioned into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport network—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones.
However, traveling between zones can be pricey, costing up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I decided to walk shorter routes instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card proved to be a budget-friendly option. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail go beyond the Underground system, providing access to outer zones. The costs of travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of the operating firms.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also steep living expenses. To mitigate costs, I chose to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled at the university. This arrangement considerably lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that private rentals may not have offered.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available too. Being near essential stores and pharmacies proved crucial, especially during exam seasons when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing an area to live in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities form the backbone of its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant tapestry of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas reflecting the essence of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is noted for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are just a few instances of London’s cultural hubs.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London depends on your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s various accommodation options, its cultural neighborhoods, or the convenience of its transport connections, London truly has something for everyone.
Living in this extraordinary city has been a fulfilling journey. As I continue to delve into its numerous aspects, I’m reminded of the importance of embracing its diversity and seizing the opportunities it provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*