**Residing in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I set out on my adventure of living in London. Although this might not appear to be an extended period, it has provided ample opportunity to gain insight into this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its diverse housing options but also for the vibrant spectrum of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents a myriad of accommodation possibilities, ranging from student housing to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging a viewing for an apartment is generally quite simple. In contrast, international students frequently depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties virtually. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities, closeness to public transport, and other necessities, making the search for housing much easier.
### Seeking a Place to Reside
When I initiated my accommodation search, my primary aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the innermost zones—one and two—being the most central. London’s superb transport network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across these zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—given that traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 a day—I chose to walk short distances whenever feasible. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides reduced fares for students. The London Overground and National Rail services also extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London, though costs vary according to distance and the pricing of the train operators.
Living in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an aspect that private housing might not have facilitated as readily.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. London boasts an array of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is remarkably convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities constitute a vital aspect of its cultural fabric, providing a plethora of diverse experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke the essence of their home countries.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London houses a significant South Asian population, brimming with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the bustling West End of London, is a lively area rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are just a handful of instances demonstrating the cultural abundance that London presents.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its lively social atmosphere, or its efficient transportation systems, London caters to everyone’s tastes.
Reflecting on my experiences here, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the variety and richness of London’s accommodation choices and communities. Living in this extraordinary city has been a thrilling and fulfilling journey, and I am eager to continue uncovering all it has to offer.
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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/)*