**Experiencing Student 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 residing in London. Although nine months might not seem extensive, it has provided me with valuable insights into life in this bustling city. London boasts a rich diversity not only in its housing options but also in the communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an extensive array of housing possibilities readily available. Whether you’re considering student accommodations or private rentals, you’ll encounter choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can turn to online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties, review amenities, and gauge access to public transport.
In my search for a residence, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. I desired to be near prominent attractions, social centers, and, notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s vast public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and zone-to-zone travel. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, sometimes amounting to £5.25 daily. To cut down on travel costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has significantly alleviated commuting expenses to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the operating train companies.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses due to its proximity to major sites. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which notably lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation because I aimed to connect with fellow students of similar age and varied backgrounds—a combination that’s tougher to find in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a significant factor. Some of the most widely recognized supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood to reside in can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a myriad of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, replete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the numerous community-centric neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London depends on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new home, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and vibrancy that this extraordinary city 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/)