**Living in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this may seem like a brief period, it has been sufficient to gain significant insights into this dynamic and multifaceted city. London is renowned not only for its rich heritage and famous sites but also for its diverse range of housing options and its multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a wealth of accommodation alternatives, from student halls to private residences, featuring ensuite rooms, communal areas, studio flats, and shared homes.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple. However, international students can utilize resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details about facilities, public transport connections, and closeness to important locations, simplifying the search process considerably.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I started my search, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Living near major attractions, social centers, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (the tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones.
To cut down on commuting expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. However, for longer trips, the Oyster card became indispensable, providing reduced fares for students. For journeys outside the Underground system, services like London Overground and National Rail extend into the outer zones, although ticket prices differ depending on distance and the train company in operation.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with increased living expenses. To manage costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. Moreover, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as these offered a chance to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and of similar ages—something that is more difficult to find with private rentals.
### The Significance of Location
For me, being near grocery stores was a must. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those looking to economize. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies is especially beneficial during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Diversity
Selecting the right area to live in London can be daunting, given the city’s size and variety. London’s ethnic neighborhoods are a fundamental aspect of its cultural fabric, showcasing unique areas that embody the city’s multicultural essence.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling neighborhood teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas offer international students a sense of comfort and connection to their native cultures.
### Discovering Your Perfect Locale
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London is based on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, convenience, or energetic lifestyle, London has something to offer everyone.
As you begin the quest for your new home, celebrate the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options. Venture into its lively neighborhoods, appreciate the ease of its transport systems, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
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*By Guest Blogger*
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/)