**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I embarked on my experience of residing in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient to impart several significant lessons about life in this lively and varied city. London is renowned not just for its extensive history and cultural landmarks, but also for its diverse housing options and active communities. The city presents students with a multitude of accommodation possibilities, ranging from student residences to private options, such as ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging viewings for apartments is generally a smooth process. Conversely, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online. These sites offer information regarding amenities, rental prices, and closeness to public transport, facilitating informed choices from a distance.
During my quest for housing, I prioritized securing a room in Central London. Living centrally provided easy access to key attractions, social venues, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College London. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transportation system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies travel across zones. However, traveling between these zones can be expensive, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transportation. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making it a budget-friendly choice for students.
For those venturing outside the central zones, the London Overground and National Rail services broaden the city’s accessibility. These services link areas not covered by the Underground, though fares differ based on distance and the pricing policies of train operators.
Settling in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I made the decision to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement significantly alleviated our rental burden. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I sought to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic less prevalent in private housing.
The location of grocery stores was another pivotal consideration in my decision-making. London boasts a plethora of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly establishments like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential shops and pharmacies proved invaluable, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Determining the right neighborhood to inhabit is among the most daunting tasks for anyone relocating to London. The city’s diverse communities exemplify its multicultural essence, with each neighborhood presenting a distinct cultural atmosphere. For instance, Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and rich music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These locales offer a sense of familiarity and comfort for international students in search of a link to their home culture.
In essence, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central landmarks, London provides a diverse array of accommodation options to cater to various needs. Embrace the diversity, discover the richness of its neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of life in this extraordinary city.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*