**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Residing in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While this timeframe might not appear extensive, I’ve gathered some insightful experiences throughout my residency. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not just in terms of accommodation but also regarding the wide array of communities residing here. Students specifically have numerous options available to them. Whether in search of student housing or private rentals, choices abound, including ensuite rooms, studio flats, shared accommodations, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a breeze, whereas international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate the convenience of public transport nearby.
In the early stages of my housing quest, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s key attractions, social venues, and notably, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city boasts an impressive transportation system, encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing the city simple. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. However, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the city center. Ticket prices for these services may vary based on distance and the fare policies of the operating company.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, yet it also brings elevated living expenses. Luckily, I shared accommodation with a friend from university, allowing us to significantly reduce our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I was enthusiastic about meeting peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages—a connection that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
A primary consideration for me was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a great deal of time, particularly during hectic periods such as exam weeks.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizeable South Asian population, featuring an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few illustrations of the myriad of vibrant community neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal location within London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new place in this city, embrace the richness and variety of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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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/)