**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months have passed since I relocated to London, and while that might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has afforded me the opportunity to acquire several important insights about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is famed not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its rich and diverse communities. For students, the city provides a myriad of housing options, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online. These platforms offer information on amenities, closeness to public transportation, and other crucial details, streamlining the search process considerably.
### Locating a Place to Reside
When I initiated my search for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. My goal was to live near significant attractions, social hubs, and predominantly, the Imperial College campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (popularly known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel among the zones.
Nevertheless, travelling between zones can become expensive, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that using an Oyster card greatly lowered travel expenses. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, connecting outer zones to the core of the city. While fares for these services differ, they present convenient alternatives for those residing further out.
Living in Central London, however, incurs a significant expense. To reduce costs, I made the choice to share a room with a friend who was also studying at university. This decision allowed us to save considerably on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near supermarkets was a top consideration. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely accessible. Being near essential shops, including pharmacies, is incredibly advantageous, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s extensive size and diversity. London’s ethnic communities constitute a vital component of its cultural tapestry, providing a wide range of experiences. Many international students tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods that mirror the culture of their homeland.
For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its considerable South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling environment filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you value proximity to your university, cultural resonance, or cost-effectiveness, London possesses something for everyone. As you embark on your quest for a place to call home, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
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*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/)*