**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Life in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gain insight into living in this vibrant city. London is bursting with energy and cultural diversity, not only in its vast accommodation choices but also in the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of housing alternatives available, whether you’re seeking student-specific lodgings or private rentals. These options encompass ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students have the option to explore websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to view possible accommodations digitally, assess amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
At the outset of my search for living quarters, I was determined to find a room to rent in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, bustling social scenes, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the heart of the city. The public transportation system is excellent, featuring the Underground (widely referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. Nevertheless, I was mindful of travel expenses—inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card can greatly decrease transportation costs for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, with fares depending on distance and the fare structure set by each train company.
Residing in Central London allows you to be near major sights, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly cut our rental costs. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an endeavor that private rentals could have made more difficult.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland offer more budget-friendly choices. Being near crucial outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously beneficial, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to the city’s cultural richness, supplying a plethora of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located centrally in London’s West End, is a lively hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These examples illustrate just a few of the diverse communities that characterize London’s neighborhoods.
In the end, the best neighborhood to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or embarking on your adventure in this remarkable city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill 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/)