**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I initiated my adventure of residing in London. Though this duration may not appear lengthy, it has provided ample time for me to compile significant experiences regarding life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its varied accommodation choices but also for the rich mix of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide range of housing options, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate living spaces virtually. These websites offer information about amenities and closeness to public transportation, streamlining the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I set out to look for accommodation, my objective was to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social hotspots, and, most critically, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates travel between zones easily.
However, I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as transferring between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than utilize public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card served as an economical option. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, providing extensive coverage. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare frameworks of individual train operators.
Residing in Central London offers various advantages but also comes with steep expenses. To manage our financial obligations, a friend and I opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that is less common in private rentals.
### Close to Essentials
Having easy access to grocery stores was a primary concern for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to shoppers mindful of their spending. The convenience of having essential shops and pharmacies in close proximity is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam season.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor, considering the city’s cultural and ethnic multiplicity. The communities in London are essential to its character, presenting various lively neighborhoods that showcase distinct cultures. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas reminiscent of home.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean cultural richness and vibrant music atmosphere. At the center of the West End, Chinatown provides a lively hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These instances illustrate just a few of the city’s diverse cultural enclaves.
### Concluding Remarks
Ultimately, the ideal living space in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re navigating the city’s varied accommodation selections, immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, or reveling in the ease of its top-notch transport system, London offers something for everyone.
For those on the hunt for a new residence in this extraordinary city, I urge you to embrace its diversity, investigate its unique communities, and seize the opportunities it has to offer.
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**By Guest Blogger**
Categorized 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/)