**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to gather several important insights about life in this lively and multicultural city. London is a center of activity, providing not just a multitude of housing options but also a richly woven array of communities. For students, the variety is vast, including student accommodations to private rentals, with choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite easy. In contrast, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential living spaces online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities and distance from public transport, facilitating better planning.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social spots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport system—including the Underground (familiarly known as the Tube), buses, and trains—making it straightforward to travel between zones.
Nonetheless, crossing between zones can be pricey, with daily fares rising up to £5.25. To cut costs, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. For longer trips, I discovered that Oyster cards greatly lowered travel expenses. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing broader access for those situated further out.
Residing in Central London offers benefits but comes with high living expenses. To cope with costs, I chose to share a room with a fellow student. This decision not only lessened our rent but also enhanced the overall experience. I opted for intercollegiate student lodgings, as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that private housing may not easily provide.
### Accessibility to Daily Needs
One of my main considerations when selecting a place to live was being close to grocery stores. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students wanting to save money. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, turned out to be a significant time-saver, especially during exam times when every second is crucial.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be overwhelming due to the city’s scale and diversity. London’s ethnic groups are vital to its cultural foundation, showcasing a range of unique neighborhoods to discover. Many international students are attracted to areas that echo the culture and familiarity of their native lands.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian population, boasting Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a lively district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural wealth London has to present.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, the closeness to necessary services, or the vibrant social atmosphere, there’s something to suit everyone. As I proceed with my journey in this extraordinary city, I have grown to value the diversity and convenience it encompasses.
If you’re on the hunt for a new place in London, take the opportunity to delve into its various accommodation options, engage with its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of living in one of the world’s most lively cities.
—
*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/)*