**Exploring London: A Student’s Insights on Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While nine months might seem brief, it has granted me valuable insights about this dynamic city. London boasts a rich variety of accommodation choices and encompasses numerous communities that contribute to its character. For students, the city presents an array of living options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, with choices such as ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while those from abroad depend on resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse potential living arrangements online, check amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
As I scouted for a place to stay, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient transport network—incorporating the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Nonetheless, various Oyster card options have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, encompassing regions outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare framework of each train service provider.
Residing in Central London entails substantial living expenses, particularly owing to its closeness to key attractions. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, yielding significant savings on rent. I also preferred to stay in intercollegiate student housing, aiming to meet fellow students from diverse backgrounds and of similar age—an arrangement that might have been more difficult in private rentals.
For me, living near grocery outlets was crucial. Some well-known supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more wallet-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies provides immense convenience, especially during hectic times like exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can prove to be a challenging choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant mosaic of distinct neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that remind them of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its considerable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the myriad culturally vibrant neighbourhoods the city has to offer.
In the end, the optimal area to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and richness found in its accommodation alternatives, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)