**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient to gather insightful experiences about life in this lively city. London is well-known not only for its varied accommodation choices but also for the vibrant mosaic of communities residing here. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options, from student lodgings to private rentals. Alternatives include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, organizing apartment viewings is fairly easy, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing online. These sites offer information about amenities and distance to public transportation, simplifying the planning of your relocation.
### Locating Your Ideal Home
When I initiated my search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being near significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial College’s campus was crucial for me. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s exceptional public transit system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy transportation between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly, especially with inter-zonal fares reaching up to £5.25 per day. To cut down on costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking public transport. For longer journeys, using an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing greater connectivity. Travel pricing on these services differs based on distance and the fare structure of the train operators.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To manage costs, I shared a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement greatly decreased our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—a dynamic that might not be present in private rentals.
### Nearness to Necessities
For me, being situated near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students with limited budgets. Having essential stores and pharmacies close at hand is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam sessions, allowing for more efficient errand-running.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural character, presenting a range of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that resonate with the familiarity of their home nations.
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, positioned in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, provides a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations.
These are only a few instances of London’s culturally diverse neighborhoods, each providing its own unique experience.
### Experiencing Life in London
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are delving into the city’s varied accommodations, immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, or benefiting from its top-notch public transport, London has something to offer everyone.
My time in this extraordinary city has been an enlightening journey, and I urge anyone seeking a home here to fully embrace its diversity, richness, and countless opportunities.
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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/)*