**Exploring London: A Student’s Insight on Living Arrangements and Lifestyle**
*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. While nine months may not appear extensive, I have gained significant insights into this dynamic metropolis. London offers not only a wide array of accommodation types but also boasts diverse communities that inhabit it. Students especially enjoy a broad range of choices. From student residences to private rentals, there are countless options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, setting up apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online, discover available amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my own hunt for a living space, I targeted a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s main attractions, social scenes, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features an outstanding transportation network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to limit travel expenses, as crossing zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. However, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making travel more economical for students. Besides the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, although fares differ based on distance and the train company.
Residing in Central London brings advantages but also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I shared a room with a close friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that can be challenging to find in private rentals.
The accessibility of grocery stores played a significant role in my living choice. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being close to essential stores, particularly during hectic periods such as exams, can save a considerable amount of time and stress.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural fabric, crafting a rich mosaic of varied locales. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke familiarity from home. For instance, Southall in West London is prominent for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated at the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a fraction of the many community-driven neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When navigating your home search in this city, appreciate the diverse accommodation options, delve into the cultural wealth of its neighbourhoods, and take pleasure in the convenience and liveliness 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/)