**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period might not appear extensive, I’ve gleaned numerous important lessons throughout my time here. London is an ever-evolving and multifaceted metropolis, offering a vast range of accommodation alternatives alongside the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, there’s an abundance of options for housing—whether it’s student halls or private rentals, you can discover everything from ensuite and shared facilities to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transportation.
When I initiated my search for a residence, my primary goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s prominent attractions, social venues, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport system, comprising the Underground (widely referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across various areas. However, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly decreased commuting costs to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching regions outside central London. The fares for these services can differ based on distance and the specific fare structure of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I shared accommodations with a friend, which allowed us to considerably lower our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I wished to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
One of my primary considerations in selecting a residence was its distance from grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that offer a sense of comfort and familiarity. For example, Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples merely scratch the surface of London’s varied community neighbourhoods.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this lively city, take the time to delve into its diverse accommodation selections, immerse yourself in its rich cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)