**Experiencing Life and Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may not appear to be a substantial duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire some invaluable insights regarding life in this vibrant city. London is a place that flourishes on diversity, not only in its population but also in its housing selections. Whether you are a student or a professional, the city provides a plethora of living options, ranging from student accommodations to private leases, with alternatives such as ensuite facilities, shared spaces, studio units, and communal living arrangements. For domestic students, arranging an apartment visit is fairly simple, while international students can make use of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for suitable housing, I particularly aimed to secure a room in Central London. I desired to remain close to the city’s major landmarks, social venues, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the core. The city’s efficient transit system—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting across these zones. However, to cut down on travel expenses (which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys), I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending solely on public transport. That said, the Oyster card initiative has simplified commuting to the university economically. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, encompassing areas outside Central London. Fares for these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of the individual train operators.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably alleviated our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was eager to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an aspect that would have been less achievable in private housing.
A key factor in selecting accommodation was its closeness to grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Residing near these necessary stores, in addition to pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s diverse cultural heritage is mirrored in its various ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive way of life. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the many culturally diverse neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s exceptional living experience.
In conclusion, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent upon your personal inclinations and requirements. Whether you are on the lookout for a new residence or merely discovering the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing offerings, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to present.
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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/)*