**Nine Months in London: Thoughts on Housing and Urban Living**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though it may sound brief, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London serves not only as a center for varied accommodation options but also as a melting pot of cultures from across the globe. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city presents a wide range of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals. These options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students can take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse accommodations online. These sites feature comprehensive details about amenities and public transport proximity, aiding in making well-informed choices from a distance.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my housing search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social spaces, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation infrastructure—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across these zones.
To economize on travel expenses, which can soar up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I preferred walking shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. For longer travels, I discovered that Oyster cards significantly cut down travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside Central London. Nonetheless, ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the pricing policies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I made the decision to share a room with a friend. This arrangement not only lowered our rent but also enhanced the overall experience. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an aspect that is more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, being close to grocery stores was a must-have. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s extensive cultural diversity is mirrored in its myriad ethnic enclaves, each offering distinct experiences. Many international students find themselves drawn to areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is celebrated for its lively South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and an energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are just a small sample of the city’s cultural mosaic.
### Embracing Life in London
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London is contingent on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural neighborhoods or its modern amenities, London has something to offer everyone. My suggestion? Embrace the diversity, explore the abundance of accommodation choices, and dive into the thrill of this extraordinary city.
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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/)