**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided me ample opportunity to acquire significant perspectives on life in this lively and multicultural city. London serves not only as a center of cultural wealth but also presents a broad range of housing choices and flourishing communities. For students, the city offers numerous options, from student accommodations to private lodgings, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging a viewing for an apartment is fairly simple. Conversely, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online. These platforms enable users to assess amenities, pricing, and closeness to public transport, making it easier for those who are new to the city.
### Locating a Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to stay near prominent landmarks, social centers, and crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an impressive transport system, inclusive of the Underground (or Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones.
To cut down on transport expenses, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 daily, but options like the Oyster card have made commuting more budget-friendly for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services provide travel beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Nevertheless, fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, including proximity to major attractions, but it also comes with increased living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I wished to interact with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age—a chance that private housing might not readily offer.
### Closeness to Essentials
Being situated near grocery stores was a key priority for me. Some of the most common supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being in close proximity to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is extremely handy, particularly during hectic times like finals.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Variety
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s enormity and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods that embody the culture of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, housing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End showcases a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods serve as just a few instances of the city’s cultural hubs.
### Discovering Your Ideal Location
In conclusion, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural diversity, its convenience, or its vibrant spirit, London has something to offer everyone. For those in pursuit of a new home in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace its richness, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and fully take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
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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/)*