**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might appear brief, it has proven sufficient for gathering meaningful insights into life within this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for its rich multicultural communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing selections, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared living, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging viewings for apartments is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine housing options online. These platforms furnish comprehensive details regarding amenities and location relative to public transport, streamlining the search process immensely.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Residing near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s superb transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. Travel between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day, but options like the Oyster card have made commuting more economical for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, with fares varying based on distance and train operator.
However, living in Central London does come with a significant cost. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, greatly reducing our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, as it afforded the chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that is more challenging with private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was imperative. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundant, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students looking to save on expenses. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies proves especially handy during hectic times like exam periods, conserving both time and energy.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite an overwhelming task, given the city’s size and diversity. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural essence, presenting a plethora of unique neighbourhoods to explore.
Numerous international students lean towards areas that mirror the familiarity of their native countries. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its lively South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are merely a glimpse of the cultural enclaves that contribute to making London such a vibrant and inclusive city.
### Making the Most of London Life
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent on your individual preferences and interests. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural variety, convenience, or its plethora of exploration opportunities, London has something to offer everyone.
As you embark on your quest for a new home, take the time to appreciate the wealth of London’s housing options, engage with its lively communities, and relish the unique experiences this extraordinary city has in store.
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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/)