**Reflecting on Nine Months of Life and Housing in London**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though this duration might appear brief, it has provided me the opportunity to accumulate significant revelations about life in this dynamic metropolis. London serves not only as a center for a wide array of housing options but is also rich with a diverse array of communities. For students, the city presents a variety of living arrangements, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring choices such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, while international students have the benefit of exploring sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my personal quest for housing, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social areas, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating movement between zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to limit my travel expenses, as journeys between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transportation. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has rendered commuting to university considerably more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside Central London. Fares for these services differ according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure.
Residing in Central London affords the benefit of proximity to significant sites, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably diminished our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I wished to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of the more prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Having key establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, close by is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, creating a vibrant tapestry of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that remind them of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the vibrant West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of London’s community-centric neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this vibrant city, welcome the diversity of its housing options, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to offer.
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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/)*