**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Though this may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient for me to acquire several important insights about this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for the diverse array of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of accommodation choices, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to find housing options online. These sites offer information about amenities and their distance from public transport, facilitating informed choices from a distance.
### Discovering a Home
During my quest to find a place to call my own, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies movement between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses (which can escalate to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal trips), I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, an Oyster card provides reduced fares, making travel more budget-friendly for students. Additionally, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, servicing outer zones. However, fare prices for these modes of transport fluctuate based on distance and individual train operator pricing.
Residing in Central London offers benefits but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that can be harder to find in private rentals.
### Importance of Convenience
For me, being near grocery stores was a must. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-conscious choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are similarly favored. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies saves precious time, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
### Picking the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, showcasing a range of vibrant and diverse locales to discover. Many international students find themselves attracted to neighborhoods that echo the culture and familiarity of their homeland.
For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean roots and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End offers a lively hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a fraction of the cultural richness that London holds.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to live in London depends on your unique preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its vibrant social atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone.
As you embark on your search for a new residence in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to investigate its diverse accommodation options, immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural landscape, and relish the unique experiences that London presents.
—
*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/)*