**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure in London, and though it may not seem extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to discover much about this dynamic metropolis. London boasts not only a rich blend of cultures and communities but also a wide array of housing options, rendering it an exhilarating locale for students. From student accommodations to private rentals, there’s a choice for everyone—whether you prefer ensuite facilities, shared rooms, studio flats, or house shares.
For students based in the UK, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple. In contrast, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for housing online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
### Locating Your Home
During my quest for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social spots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport system—consisting of the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I preferred walking shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Travel between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day, yet discounted Oyster cards have made commuting more economical for students. For those needing to venture beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services stretch to outer zones, though pricing varies with distance and train companies.
Living in Central London certainly comes with a considerable cost. To manage expenses, I shared a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds in a similar age bracket—a dynamic that can be harder to come by in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, being near grocery stores was a major consideration. Chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic periods like exam weeks.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vast cultural variety. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that echo their home countries. For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets.
– **Brixton**, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighborhoods are merely a handful of the cultural communities that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Embracing Life in London
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re investigating the city’s varied accommodation choices, immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, or enjoying the ease of its transport connections, London provides an unrivaled experience.
For anyone on the lookout for a new abode in this extraordinary city, my message is clear: appreciate its diversity, explore its richness, and take full advantage of all that London has to offer.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*