**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Culture**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month anniversary of my stay in London. Although this may appear brief, I’ve acquired a fair amount of knowledge over this time. London is a lively and multifaceted city, not only regarding its accommodation choices but also the energetic communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of housing options. Whether it’s student accommodations or private rentals, the selections are vast, including ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares. Local students find it easy to schedule in-person viewings, while those from overseas can count on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and check the distance to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a superb public transport system—featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates travel among these zones. That said, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as commuting across zones can reach as high as £5.25 per day. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network to encompass areas outside the central zones. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure set by the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near prominent attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly lessened our rent burden. I chose intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that might be more challenging with private rentals.
One of my key considerations was being near grocery stores. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential amenities like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time saver, especially during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a challenge. The city’s cultural diversity shines through its numerous ethnic communities, forming a vibrant tapestry of locales. Many international students look for neighborhoods that evoke thoughts of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a lively hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of the many community-centric neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, your ideal area in London will hinge on your individual preferences and requirements. As you seek a new residence in this vibrant city, be sure to explore the diverse range of accommodation options, dive into the cultural enclaves, and relish the conveniences and thrills that London presents.
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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/)