**Experiencing Housing and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not sound extensive, this period has equipped me with valuable insights about this vibrant city. London is renowned not just for its plethora of housing choices but also for the eclectic communities that inhabit it. Students have a wealth of options at their fingertips when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re considering university residences or private rentals, there’s an assortment of selections including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person showings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, view amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being nearby to the city’s key attractions, nightlife, and notably, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones representing the most central areas. The city boasts an extensive public transport system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—that facilitates travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I sought to minimize my transportation expenses since traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s coverage, reaching areas outside the main zones, with fares varying based on distance and the specific train operator’s pricing.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I was eager to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds who were my age—a combination that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
A key consideration for me was proximity to grocery stores. Popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like grocery stores and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic groups play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its considerable South Asian community, presenting an array of Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely represent a handful of the many lively community neighborhoods found throughout London.
In the end, the ultimate area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal tastes and necessities. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place or merely exploring the city, take in the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, uncover its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city presents.
—
*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/)*