**Experiencing Life in London: A Nine-Month Reflection**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive period, it has sufficed for me to acquire a few significant insights about this lively and evolving city. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for the intricate mosaic of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, spanning from student residences to private rentals. Alternatives include ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is quite convenient. At the same time, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential living spaces online. These platforms offer extensive information regarding amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial aspects.
### Locating a Place to Settle
When initiating my search, I was eager to lease a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system—consisting of the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies traveling across zones.
However, I aimed to reduce my commuting expenses since traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transit. For longer travels, the Oyster card turned out to be an economical choice for students. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside Central London. Although the fares for these services can vary, they provide a practical means to traverse the city.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This setup significantly lowered our rent. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something private rentals might not facilitate as effectively.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, having grocery stores nearby was an essential factor. Some of the predominant supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For more economical choices, supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are favored. Being close to key stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves considerable time—especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right District
Choosing a neighborhood to reside in is a challenging endeavor. London’s vast cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic communities, which form distinct and lively neighborhoods. Many international students tend to prefer areas that provide a sense of familiarity and ties to their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London features a significant South Asian population. It offers a range of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End presents a busy hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods showcase just a fraction of the cultural wealth that London has to offer.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots or its central attractions, London has something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone looking for a home here is to fully embrace the diversity of its housing options, discover its lively neighborhoods, and enjoy the thrills of this extraordinary city.
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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/)*