**Living Life in London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Community**
*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 extensive, I’ve acquired a considerable amount of knowledge during this time. London is a remarkably lively city, characterized not only by its varied housing selections but also by the rich mix of communities that reside here. For students, there is a vast selection of housing available, whether one is seeking student accommodations or private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively easy, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse options online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
When I started my quest for accommodation, I specifically aimed to find a room in Central London. I wished to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an extensive transport network, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates travel across zones. However, I aimed to decrease travel expenses, as travelling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has made commuting to university significantly less expensive. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the fare structure used by the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages, but it also brings higher living expenses due to its closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I was enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is a substantial time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Deciding on the right neighbourhood to settle in can be a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London are a crucial element of the city’s cultural mosaic, providing a wealth of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its sizable South Asian community, replete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical scene. Additionally, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End features a bustling enclave brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the myriad community-oriented neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this energetic city, take the opportunity to explore its myriad housing options, delve into its rich cultural neighborhoods, and appreciate the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
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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/)