**Discovering Housing and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunities to glean several important insights about this vibrant city. London is renowned not just for its extensive accommodation choices but also for the varied communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, enjoy a plethora of housing options ranging from student residences to private rentals. These choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is a straightforward process, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate accommodations online, review the facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
As I initiated my hunt for a living space, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I wished to remain near the city’s prominent attractions, social gathering spots, and, obviously, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city boasts an impressive transport system, which encompasses the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between the zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, given that inter-zonal travel can tally up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university much more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, accommodating locations outside central London. The pricing for these services fluctuates based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was pursuing my studies alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly assisted in reducing our rent. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student housing, as I wanted to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a connection that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my key priorities was ensuring proximity to grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being near essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves substantial time, especially during hectic times like exam weeks.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting challenge. London’s ethnic enclaves play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a wealth of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries within London. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, housing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Simultaneously, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely examples of the numerous diverse neighbourhoods that constitute London.
In the end, the optimal area for residence in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this city, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London presents.
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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/)*