**Exploring London: A Student’s View on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear extensive, I have already discovered a considerable amount about life in this vibrant city. London is an active metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of accommodation options but also by the richness of its communities. Students are particularly fortunate to have numerous housing choices. Whether you seek student-oriented housing or private rentals, options abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. For local students, arranging viewings is quite simple, while international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate the accessibility of public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to significant landmarks, social venues, and notably, Imperial College’s campus was a priority. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city boasts an excellent transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel. However, I was keen to keep my travel expenses low, as commuting across zones could set you back as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. That being said, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting expenses to the university. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, covering regions outside the central areas. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing structure of each train service.
Residing in Central London certainly entails a considerable expense, particularly due to its closeness to key attractions. Luckily, I managed to lower my rent by sharing a room with a fellow student. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to meet individuals from various backgrounds and of a similar age—a dynamic that would have been harder to achieve in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during busy times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods to investigate. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, boasting many Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, pulsates with activity, filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the various communities that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new dwelling, invest time in exploring the city’s diverse accommodation opportunities and cultural hubs. Embrace the convenience and thrill that London presents—you will not regret it.
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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/)*