**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gather numerous insightful experiences about the capital. London is an ever-evolving city, showcasing a multitude of accommodation choices alongside a broad spectrum of communities that live within its bounds. Students in London are presented with various housing alternatives, ranging from student-specific dwellings to private rental options. The selection encompasses ensuite and shared bathrooms, private as well as shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a seamless process, while international students have access to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing, review amenities, and evaluate transport links—all from the comforts of their current residence.
As I began my quest for accommodation, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social scenes, and Imperial College’s campus was a significant priority for me. London’s layout consists of six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most centrally located. The city boasts an efficient public transportation network, including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), alongside buses and trains, facilitating easy movement across different zones. Nevertheless, I remained conscious of travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys could mount up to £5.25 daily. To minimize expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on buses or the Tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card system has made it much more economical to commute to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground, reaching areas beyond central London. The fares for these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of closeness to prominent attractions but comes with a price tag that can be steep. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly eased our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation in order to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a feat that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Having grocery stores within reach was a top concern for me. Some of London’s most popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be a valuable time-saver, especially during hectic periods such as exams.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play an essential role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vast selection of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of familiar environments upon arriving in London. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a vibrant hub filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of the many culturally rich neighbourhoods found throughout the city.
In the end, the best area for living in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this remarkable city, take the time to delve into its varied accommodation possibilities, immerse yourself in its cultural districts, and relish the accessibility 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/)