### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire significant understanding of life in this dynamic city. London is well-known not only for its varied housing choices but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students are truly given a wealth of options regarding their living arrangements, ranging from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging in-person apartment viewings is fairly easy. On the other hand, international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to seek out potential housing online. These platforms offer comprehensive details on amenities and proximity to public transport, streamlining the search process significantly.
#### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s exceptional transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, prompting me to walk shorter distances whenever feasible to minimize transportation costs.
For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fare options, especially useful for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones. However, the fare rates for these services vary based on the distance and the company operating them.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To cope with costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, which allowed me to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a social atmosphere often missing in private housing.
#### Accessibility to Essentials
Being near grocery stores was another critical aspect for me. Popular supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist for students keen on conserving funds. Proximity to essential shops not only saves precious time but is also invaluable during hectic times, like examination periods.
#### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Finding the perfect neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s diverse ethnic communities form the backbone of its cultural richness, presenting an extensive range of experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke the familiarity of their own countries.
For example, Southall in West London is famed for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, found in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown located in the bustling West End of London provides a vibrant hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods exemplify just a fraction of the city’s multicultural landscape.
#### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you prefer the convenience of Central London, the affordability of outer zones, or the cultural vibrancy of certain neighborhoods, the city offers something suitable for everyone.
As you navigate the quest for your perfect home in London, celebrate the diversity of its housing options, explore its cultural regions, and dive into the excitement that this extraordinary city 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/)*