**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might not appear extensive, it has granted me the opportunity to accumulate some significant insights regarding life in this lively and varied city. London is renowned not only for its legendary landmarks and rich heritage but also for its diverse accommodation alternatives and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city provides a plethora of options, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively simple. In contrast, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living arrangements online. These platforms offer information about amenities, proximity to public transport, and other crucial details, enhancing the convenience of the search process.
### Discovering a Place to Live
As I initiated my accommodation search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates navigating between zones.
However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To offset travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides more cost-effective travel solutions for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside Central London. These services have differing fare structures based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails higher living costs. To keep expenses manageable, I shared accommodations with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic that is often harder to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living in proximity to grocery stores was an essential criterion. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being near fundamental stores, including pharmacies, saves valuable time and energy, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities within the city are a foundation of its cultural diversity, contributing a range of lively enclaves. Many international students tend to favor areas that evoke familiarity with their home countries.
For instance, Southall in West London is notable for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music culture. In the center of London’s West End, Chinatown presents a bustling environment filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods exemplify the rich cultural mosaic that London has to showcase.
### Concluding Reflections
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you find yourself attracted to the convenience of Central London, the affordability of outer zones, or the cultural richness of particular neighbourhoods, the city caters to all.
As you embark on your search for a place to settle in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, explore its cultural hotspots, and leverage the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)*