**Exploring Student Life and Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with valuable insights into this dynamic city. London boasts a wealth of accommodation varieties and a multitude of communities that reside here. Students in this city have an abundance of choices, boasting a range of housing options right at their fingertips. Whether you need student accommodation or private housing, options abound, from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is generally quite easy, while international students can conveniently explore websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for accommodations, inspect available features, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my own quest for housing, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I aspired to be near major landmarks, social hotspots, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two considered the most central. Thanks to London’s superb transportation system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—navigating these zones is a breeze. Nonetheless, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since crossing zones can lead to daily costs of up to £5.25. To economize, I made it a practice to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has greatly alleviated my university commute costs. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Pricing for these transport services depends on the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train service provider.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was pursuing my studies alongside a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which substantially decreased our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, seeing it as an opportunity to connect with other students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that’d be challenging to find in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like groceries and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be quite complex. The city’s ethnic diversity is crucial to its cultural identity, weaving a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek areas that reflect their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining options, stores, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the many community-centered neighborhoods in the city.
In conclusion, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for new housing, embrace the variety and richness of London’s accommodation choices, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this incredible 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/)