**Settling Down in London: My Journey and Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
About nine months ago, I relocated to London, and although that might not sound extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights into life in this vibrant city. London boasts an incredible mix of cultures and people, as well as a variety of housing possibilities. Students can choose from numerous options, including university accommodations and private rentals, which range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to view listings online, examine amenities, and evaluate transport connections.
### Selecting a Location
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to stay in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, Imperial’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between zones. However, traversing between zones can become expensive, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To manage costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Luckily, Oyster card options provide discounts for student travel. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, covering areas outside central London, but note that fares differ based on distance and train companies.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, yet I managed to lower my rent by sharing a room with a friend. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, as it allowed me to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that might be less accessible in private accommodations.
### Access to Essentials
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, saves valuable time, especially during hectic times like exams.
### Building a Community
Deciding where to reside in London can be daunting, but the city’s varied ethnic communities assist international students in finding a sense of belonging. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the heart of the West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the numerous cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to live in London is contingent on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you seek affordability, convenience, or a feeling of community, the city presents a broad spectrum of housing choices. Embracing London’s diversity, wandering through various neighborhoods, and fully engaging with the city’s energetic vibe can lead to a truly fulfilling experience.
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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/)