**Exploring Student Life and Housing in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided me with ample opportunity to discover various aspects of this dynamic metropolis. London boasts not only a variety of housing choices but also a multitude of communities that make it their home. For students, the city presents an array of living arrangements, ranging from student residences to private rentals, with options including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodations online, verify available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I initiated my housing search, my primary aim was to locate a room for rent in Central London. I desired proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s expansive public transport network—which includes the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nonetheless, commuting between zones can be expensive, with daily fares climbing as high as £5.25. To manage travel costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or Tube. That said, the Oyster card has considerably reduced my commuting expenses to university. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with fares differing based on distance and specific train providers.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I decided on intercollegiate student accommodation since I wanted to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that would have been more difficult in private housing.
One of my main considerations was living near grocery stores. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies close by is incredibly helpful, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke familiarity of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, showcases an extensive selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many diverse communities that render London an extraordinary place to reside.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this city, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)*