**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my experience of residing in London—a lively and energetic city that presents an abundance of opportunities. Although nine months may seem brief, it has allowed me to acquire several significant insights about life in this metropolis. London is celebrated not only for its varied accommodation types but also for the diverse and vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides a multitude of housing options, spanning from student residences to private rentals. These choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, securing an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential accommodations online. These sites offer comprehensive details about facilities, proximity to public transport, and other important information, streamlining the planning process.
When I initiated my hunt for a living space, my priority was to find a room in Central London. I wished to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an efficient transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs escalating to £5.25. To cut expenses, I frequently chose to stroll short distances rather than use public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card became a budget-friendly option.
Alongside the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the central zones. The fares for these services vary based on the distance traveled and the specific pricing structure of the train operators. While residing in Central London provides unmatched access to attractions, it also entails a high cost of living. To keep my expenses under control, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent.
I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because I was eager to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets. Such a social setting would have been harder to find in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Common supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is immensely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the ideal neighborhood in London can be quite daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, offering a range of lively neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End provides a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural quarters, its convenience, or its diverse housing selections, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the city’s liveliness, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and make the most of your experience in this extraordinary metropolis.
*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/)*