**Exploring Housing and Experience in London: My Personal Story**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though this might not appear as a lengthy period, it has granted me ample opportunity to discover a great deal about this city. London is an energetic hub, not only in terms of its extensive selection of housing options but also in the richness of its communities. Students, especially, have a wealth of choices for accommodation. Whether considering student housing or private rentals, the range includes ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange physical viewings, while international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be situated near the city’s prominent attractions, bustling social scenes, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features an outstanding public transport system, consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel quite manageable. However, I sought to limit my travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can rack up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has considerably lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, connecting areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London certainly has its advantages, offering quick access to popular sights, yet it is accompanied by a steep cost. Fortunately, I managed to share a room with a friend, dramatically decreasing our rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that would have been trickier to encounter in private rentals.
A significant priority for me was being near supermarkets. Among the most prevalent grocery stores in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the ideal neighbourhood can be overwhelming. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a diverse array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students yearn for familiarity by residing in areas that mirror their home country’s culture. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian populace, featuring numerous Indian diners, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End showcases a lively assortment of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few examples of the multitude of culturally vibrant neighbourhoods within London.
In the end, the optimal area to live in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. As you endeavor to locate your new abode in this remarkable city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing possibilities, delve into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and stimulation that London provides.
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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/)