### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone since relocating to London. Although this duration might seem brief, it has provided me ample opportunity to grasp many aspects of life in this dynamic city. London is not just famous for its variety of housing options but also for the diverse array of communities residing here. Students, especially, benefit from numerous housing choices. Options range from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is a hassle-free process. However, international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These websites offer insights into amenities, transport accessibility, and other critical data to aid students in making informed choices.
### Discovering a Place to Live
When I started my accommodation search, my main aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, vibrant social spots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transport system, spanning the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement.
To cut down on travel expenses—since moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For lengthier journeys, an Oyster card became extremely useful, providing reduced fares for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering outer zones. However, fares for these services vary based on distance and the pricing policy of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To keep costs manageable, my friend and I opted to share a room, considerably lowering our rent. I went with intercollegiate student accommodations, which provided a chance to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something more challenging with private rentals.
### Close to Essentials
For me, convenience regarding grocery stores was crucial. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while cost-effective options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, conserves time and energy, especially during hectic times like exam season.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite the challenge. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting a plethora of unique areas to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward places that evoke familiarity.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets.
– **Brixton**, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese cuisines, shops, and cultural celebrations.
These neighbourhoods represent merely a snapshot of the cultural enclaves that lend London its remarkable character.
### Adopting London Life
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and needs. Whether you are on the lookout for a new home or simply wandering the city, London’s diversity and richness provide something appealing for everyone. From its vast selection of accommodation to its vibrant cultural enclaves, London is a city that continually captivates.
By immersing yourself in its lively communities and convenient facilities, you can maximize your experience in this extraordinary city.
*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/)*