**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my experience of living in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided me with ample opportunities to grasp several important insights about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its rich heritage and famous landmarks but also for its varied communities and extensive accommodation choices. For students, the city presents a plethora of options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite uncomplicated. However, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online. These resources offer comprehensive details regarding available properties, facilities, and their closeness to public transport, facilitating a more straightforward search process.
### Securing a Place to Call Your Own
When I initiated my hunt for accommodation, my primary objective was securing a room in Central London. Residing near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation system, featuring the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—since crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily—I chose to stroll short distances rather than depend on public transport. For more extended journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making it a cost-effective choice for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the city center. However, costs for these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This decision considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that private rentals might not provide.
### Proximity to Basic Necessities
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to cut costs. Living near vital stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly practical, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s extraordinary diversity. London’s ethnic communities represent a vital aspect of its cultural tapestry, presenting a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that reflect their home countries’ customs and heritage.
For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, with Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End offers a vibrant hub of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are just a sampling of the cultural wealth London possesses.
### Identifying Your Perfect Neighborhood
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots or modern amenities, London has something for all. My suggestion to anyone searching for a new residence in this bustling metropolis is to welcome its diversity, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and savor the thrill of living in one of the most extraordinary cities worldwide.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*