**Exploring London: My Journey Through Housing and Urban Living**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I’ve gained substantial insights during this time. London is an exceptionally vibrant city, not only because of its vast selection of housing alternatives but also due to the variety of its communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Whether in search of student housing or private rentals, choices abound, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging property viewings is a breeze, while those from abroad can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to scout for potential residences online, check out facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.

When I embarked on my quest for accommodation, my primary focus was to lease a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, vibrant areas, and of course, Imperial’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies travel between zones. Nonetheless, I wanted to curtail my travel expenses, as moving between zones could accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on buses or the Tube. That being said, the Oyster card has made commuting to university significantly cheaper. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, encompassing areas outside the city center. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train companies involved.

Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails steeper living expenses due to its nearness to significant attractions. Thankfully, I was in university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which drastically lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that might have been more difficult to find in private rentals.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more wallet-friendly choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to crucial establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Deciding on the right neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic enclaves play a crucial role in the city’s cultural tapestry, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, filled with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling region brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of the myriad community-focused neighborhoods throughout the city.

Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you look for a place to call home in this metropolis, relish the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, delve into its cultural districts, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.

*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/)

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