**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has given me insights into this dynamic city. London boasts a wide array of accommodation types as well as diverse communities that inhabit it. Students are particularly fortunate as there are plenty of housing options available. Whether you’re searching for student housing or private rentals, you can discover numerous alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can use platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate the accessibility of public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College was important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport system, featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel between zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones might cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card significantly lowers commuting costs to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific fare policies of each train operator.
Residing in Central London certainly comes with a high price point, particularly due to its closeness to major sights. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation since I wanted to connect with individuals from various backgrounds who were also in my age range—something more challenging to achieve with 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 affordable choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly practical, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of unique neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek out areas that evoke memories of their home. For instance, Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community, with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown features a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many lively community neighbourhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and necessities. As you embark on finding a new home in this lively metropolis, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)