**Living in London: My Journey through Housing and Urban Life**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy period, I have gathered significant knowledge during this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, manifesting not only in its various accommodation options but also in the vibrant neighborhoods that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there is a vast selection of housing alternatives available. From student residences to private arrangements, possibilities include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is generally uncomplicated, whereas international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transport.
As I commenced my search for living arrangements, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hubs, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College was essential to me. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts an outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I was mindful of minimizing travel expenses, as moving between zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To curb my spending, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. The Oyster card, however, provides considerable savings for university-related commutes. Furthermore, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London, with fares differing based on distance and the fare system of the train provider.
Residing in Central London inevitably entails a substantial cost, particularly due to the closeness to key attractions. Luckily, I was sharing accommodation with a friend from university, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, allowing me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a feat that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
One major factor for me was securing a location near grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being adjacent to fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely beneficial, especially during hectic times like exam season when every minute counts.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood to reside in presents its own challenges. The ethnic communities within London are crucial to the city’s cultural fabric, contributing to a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of belonging within these communities. For instance, Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. In the bustling West End of London, Chinatown presents a lively collection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a few of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout London.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London is contingent upon your unique preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into the cultural neighborhoods, and relish 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/)