**Life in London: Nine Months of Discoveries and Lessons**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might seem brief, it has provided ample opportunities to gain valuable insights about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its variety of accommodation but also for the rich tapestry of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. Conversely, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential homes online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities and closeness to public transportation, simplifying the search process.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my search, my aim was to find a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social venues, and my university campus at Imperial College was crucial. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport system, featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy movement between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—since moving between zones can set you back as much as £5.25 daily—I decided to stroll short distances rather than depend on public transit. For longer trips, I discovered that using Oyster cards greatly lowered my travel costs. Furthermore, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the tube network, covering outer zones. Nonetheless, fares for these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of the operating company.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with higher living costs. To keep expenses in check, I shared a room with a friend, significantly reducing our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic harder to find in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to save. Proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during hectic times like exams.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Richness
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be an intricate task, given the city’s cultural diversity and the myriad experiences it presents. Many international students tend to favor areas that resonate with their cultural backgrounds.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End offers a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are just a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Discovering the Ideal Area
The most suitable area to live in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to cultural hubs, closeness to your university, or economical living arrangements, the city presents options for everyone.
As you commence your quest for a new residence in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and variety of its accommodation choices, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)*