**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insight on Living and Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might seem brief, it has been sufficient to gather significant perspectives on life in this lively and diverse metropolis. London is famous not only for its iconic sights and cultural diversity but also for its array of housing alternatives and lively communities. For students, the city presents countless options, from student accommodation to private rentals, including features like ensuite and shared bathrooms, individual and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite uncomplicated. On the other hand, international students frequently turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout for housing online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities, access to public transport, and other crucial characteristics, simplifying the planning process.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aspiration was to be near significant attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport network, including the Underground (popularly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between zones.
To cut down on commuting expenses—considering that inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk short distances when possible. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which considerably lessens travel costs for students. Furthermore, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, linking outer zones to the city center. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific train companies.
Residing in Central London comes with advantages but also steep living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a fellow student. This arrangement allowed us to divide the rent and save considerably. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is harder to achieve in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was a critical factor. London presents a multitude of supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also easily accessible. Being near essential stores and pharmacies proved vital, especially during exam weeks when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor, given the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural identity, weaving a rich tapestry of neighborhoods. Many international students tend to favor areas that reflect the culture and familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community and boasts Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its closeness to educational institutions, or its vibrant social atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone.
As you seek a place to call home in this extraordinary city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its multicultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Filed 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/)*