**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although that might not appear extensive, I have gathered a wealth of valuable experiences during this time. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not only regarding its diverse housing selections but also in the multitude of communities that inhabit it. For students, there’s an abundance of accommodation options available. From student residences to private living spaces, you can discover a range of choices including ensuite and shared facilities, private bedrooms, studio flats, and co-living arrangements. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment visits, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living options online, investigate amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
At the onset of my housing quest, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social gathering spots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s remarkable public transport system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy transit between these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, an Oyster card can considerably lower commuting costs for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, encompassing regions outside of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also entails increased living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I also decided to reside in intercollegiate student housing, as I wished to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more difficult to achieve in private accommodations.
Access to grocery stores was another paramount concern for me. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Having essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies in close proximity is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to the city’s cultural fabric, showcasing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is predominantly South Asian, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled within London’s West End, provides a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a handful of the numerous community-centric neighbourhoods in London.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the richness of its housing choices. Delve into the cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city 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/)