**Nine Months in London: A Journey Through Housing and Community**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although it might not seem like a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to gain significant insights about this dynamic city. London is not just varied in its housing options but also in the communities that reside within it. For students, the city presents a multitude of alternatives, from student accommodations to individual housing, featuring choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online. These platforms offer details regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial information, facilitating the process for those relocating from other countries.
### Discovering My Space in Central London
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London. I desired to be near major attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. The city’s outstanding transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes it relatively easy to navigate between the zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly, with inter-zonal travel costing as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making it a sensible choice for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach far beyond the Underground system, covering locations outside of central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London does come with a significant cost, but I was fortunate to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been more difficult to find in private accommodation.
### Closeness to Necessities
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Some of the widely recognized supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily available. Proximity to vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, helps save time and effort, especially during hectic periods like exam weeks.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Mosaic
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming task. The city’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural essence, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to flock to areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a lively hub brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of the many community-centered neighbourhoods that render London special.
### Locating Your Perfect Spot
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the cultural enclaves, the convenience of central spots, or the affordability of outer zones, London presents an abundance of choices tailored to every taste.
For those seeking a new residence in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace its variety, explore its rich cultural landscape, and fully appreciate the convenience and excitement that London 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/)*