### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has been sufficient to impart several important lessons about life in this dynamic and diverse metropolis. London is not merely a center for cultural and historical attractions; it is also a melting pot of various communities and provides a multitude of housing alternatives for students.
### Securing a Place to Live
London offers a broad spectrum of housing options for students, ranging from student halls to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider accessibility to public transport.
At the start of my search, I was eager to find a room in Central London to remain in proximity to the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, most notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation network—including the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones.
However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, inter-zonal travel may cost up to £5.25 each day. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, allowing easier access to areas outside Central London, although fares differ based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also higher living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also studying at the university. This arrangement considerably lowered our rent. Additionally, I decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, which afforded me the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging to achieve with private rentals.
### Close to Necessities
For me, being near grocery stores was a key priority. London features an assortment of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are easily accessible. Proximity to essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, proves to be a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be overwhelming, given the city’s vastness and diversity. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural makeup, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of their home countries. For example:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural wealth London has in store.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the best area to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the convenience of Central London, the cultural quarters of the city’s diverse communities, or the affordability found in outer zones, London caters to everyone.
As you seek your new home in this extraordinary city, embrace its diversity, discover its distinctive neighborhoods, and fully utilize the opportunities it provides. Living in London is an adventure, and each day promises new experiences to uncover.
—
*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/)*