**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Though this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to impart several valuable insights regarding life in this lively city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich diversity of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides a broad array of housing selections, ranging from student accommodations to private leases, which include ensuite rooms, shared arrangements, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, while international students can depend on services such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These platforms furnish information about facilities, closeness to public transport, and other critical details, making the search process considerably more manageable.
### Discovering a Place to Settle
When I commenced my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is split into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can soar up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal travel, I elected to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For more extended journeys, I observed that Oyster cards greatly decreased commuting costs. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing broader access. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and operator-specific pricing models.
The allure of Central London comes with an increased cost of living, particularly concerning housing. To handle expenses, I chose to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Being close to grocery outlets was another key consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops and pharmacies nearby proved to be a time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging task. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its various ethnic communities, each offering a distinct experience. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of familiarity.
For example, Southall in West London is famous for its dynamic South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London showcases a thriving Afro-Caribbean heritage and an energetic music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling center of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods serve as just a few examples of the city’s cultural hotspots.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the most suitable place to reside in London depends on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the accessibility of Central London, the cultural wealth of ethnic neighbourhoods, or the affordability of outer zones, the city caters to everyone.
As you embark on your search for a new home in London, take the opportunity to explore its varied accommodation options, dive into its cultural communities, and relish the vibrancy of this exceptional 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/)*