**Nine Months in London: Lessons Learned**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London, and although this time frame might not seem extensive, it has provided me with several important insights. London is a lively and multicultural city, presenting not just a variety of living arrangements but also energetic communities that render it a distinctive place to reside. For students, the city caters to numerous housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, both private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can easily arrange in-person property viewings, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate listings online, examine facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.
### Finding a Place to Call Home
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. The city’s outstanding public transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes it relatively straightforward to navigate these zones.
To cut down on travel costs, I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card provides more budget-friendly solutions for university journeys. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, although fares differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London entails high expenses, but I successfully saved a considerable amount by sharing a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. We chose intercollegiate student accommodations, which enabled me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
### Proximity to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. London boasts a range of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near fundamental stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is extremely beneficial, especially during hectic times like examination periods.
### Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Selecting a place to live in London can be daunting, given the city’s cultural diversity and numerous neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that echo the familiarity of their home countries. For example:
– **Southall** in West London is noted for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops.
– **Brixton** in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music culture.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub packed with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighbourhoods illustrate how London’s ethnic communities enrich its cultural tapestry.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London is determined by your personal preferences and necessities. Whether you’re navigating the city’s assorted living options, immersing yourself in its cultural districts, or simply appreciating the convenience of its top-notch infrastructure, London provides something for everyone.
My time here has been both exhilarating and enriching, and I am eager to uncover even more about this remarkable city in the upcoming months.
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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/)*