**Living in London: A Student’s Insights**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this duration might not seem extensive, I have gained some important perspectives throughout my experience. London is an exhilarating and multicultural city, reflected not only in its housing varieties but also in the lively communities that inhabit it. Students have a diverse array of housing alternatives available, ranging from student housing to private rentals, which include options like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared homes. Domestic students find it relatively straightforward to arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for accommodations online, explore amenities, and gauge their distance to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I was particularly interested in securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s foremost attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial College was important to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city features an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across various zones. Personally, I sought to cut down on travel expenses, given that inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. To save costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. However, the Oyster card has significantly eased my commuting expenses to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching out to outer zones, with fares differing based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Although Central London houses many of the city’s primary attractions, it also comes with a steep cost of living. Luckily, I found the opportunity to share a room with a friend, allowing us to significantly reduce our rental expenses. I favored staying in intercollegiate student accommodations because it opened doors to meet students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that might have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Residing close to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London play a pivotal role in its cultural essence, showcasing a rich blend of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards locales that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a few examples of the many community-centered neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for accommodation in this city, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, navigate its cultural hubs, and relish in 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/)*