**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might appear to be a brief period, it has been quite enlightening. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its myriad housing selections but also by the vibrant communities residing within. Students, in particular, enjoy a plethora of options at their disposal. Be it student residences or private rentals, there is a variety of choices available—ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, while international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online, evaluate amenities, and gauge the distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s key points of interest, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones representing the heart of the city. The city boasts an efficient transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. However, I was eager to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can cost upwards of £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail expand beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside Central London. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing schemes of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages—closeness to major landmarks—but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share accommodation with a university friend, which drastically lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I wished to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores in proximity was essential for me. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Determining the right neighborhood to reside in is a challenging endeavor. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in shaping its cultural atmosphere, creating a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a considerable South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. South London draws attention with Brixton, known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End of London, is a spirited enclave brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These examples illustrate the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London relies on your individual tastes and requirements. While on the lookout for accommodation in this vibrant urban center, embrace the variety and depth of its housing selections, delve into the cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
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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/)*