### My Nine Months in London: Lessons Learned and Insights Gained
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with a wealth of insightful lessons about life in this lively and multifaceted city. London is famed not only for its historical significance and renowned landmarks but also for its diverse selection of housing options and multicultural communities. For students, the city presents a myriad of accommodation choices, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling viewings for apartments is quite simple. Meanwhile, international students have the option to utilize platforms like **Rightmove**, **Zoopla**, or **SpareRoom** to discover potential housing online. These sites offer comprehensive details about features, access to public transport, and other crucial information, streamlining the search for those new to the city.
### Finding the Right Place to Live
When I commenced my accommodation search, my main objective was to secure a room in Central London. It was important for me to be close to major sights, social areas, and, most significantly, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy travel between zones.
Nevertheless, traveling between zones can become pricey, with costs reaching up to £5.25 daily. To save on expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transit. For lengthier journeys, **Oyster cards** provide discounted travel, proving to be a budget-friendly option for students. Moreover, the **London Overground** and **National Rail** services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside Central London. Tariffs for these services depend on the distance traveled and the respective train operator’s pricing structure.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, but it also involves steep living expenses. To control costs, I chose to share a room with a friend who was also at university. This partnership considerably lowered our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which enabled me to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that can be scarce in private rentals.
### Proximity to Essentials
For me, being situated near supermarkets was a must-have. Popular grocery stores in London consist of **Tesco**, **Sainsbury’s**, and **Co-op**, along with budget-friendly options like **Aldi**, **Lidl**, and **Iceland**. Proximity to necessary shops and pharmacies saves both time and effort, particularly during high-pressure times like exams.
### Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging endeavor, considering London’s extensive and varied landscape. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural fabric, providing a diverse range of experiences. Many international students often gravitate to areas that evoke the familiarity of their home countries.
For example:
– **Southall**, in West London, has a large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is known for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods, among others, underscore the city’s multicultural character and offer a sense of community for international residents.
### Final Thoughts
The most suitable area to live in London ultimately hinges upon personal preferences, lifestyle choices, and priorities. Whether you are enticed by the convenience of Central London, the cultural richness of ethnic districts, or the affordability found in outer zones, the city caters to diverse needs.
As you embark on the search for your new home, embrace the variety and vibrancy of London’s accommodation options. Delve into its cultural neighbourhoods, take advantage of its transport system, and immerse yourself in the captivating essence of this extraordinary city.
*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/)*