**Exploring London: A Student’s View on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might seem brief, I have gathered some essential observations. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, offering not only diverse accommodation choices but also a rich array of communities. Students, in particular, enjoy a broad spectrum of housing opportunities. From purpose-built student housing to private rentals, options include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house share arrangements. Home students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, investigate amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.
In my personal quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, undoubtedly, Imperial College’s campus was crucial for me. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a robust public transport system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as moving between zones can set one back up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting more economically feasible. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each service provider.
Residing in Central London offers proximity to major attractions but comes with a higher cost of living. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation because I wanted to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be more challenging to discover in private rentals.
For me, living near grocery stores was essential. Popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can often prove to be tough. London’s ethnic communities enrich its cultural fabric, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These instances exemplify just a fraction of the many cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, explore its cultural neighbourhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy 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/)