**My Nine Months in London: Insights on Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to gather some meaningful insights about living in this lively metropolis. London stands out as an energetic and multifaceted city, not only in its housing possibilities but also in the diverse communities that reside here. For students, there exists a vast selection of housing alternatives. Whether your preference is for student accommodations or private rentals, numerous choices await, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is generally uncomplicated, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, review facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.
When I commenced my quest for accommodation, my focus was on securing a room to rent in Central London. My aim was to be within reach of the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies traveling between these zones. However, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as crossing zones can set you back up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of using public transit. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more cost-effective. Besides the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach out to regions beyond central London, but ticket prices vary depending on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London brings its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly reduced our rent burden. I chose to reside in intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that would have been more challenging to discover in private housing.
One of my primary considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can pose a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in shaping the city’s cultural tapestry, providing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate toward locales that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is characterized by its substantial South Asian heritage and hosts numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are but a few instances of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods found in London.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you navigate your search for a new residence in this extraordinary city, celebrate the diversity of its housing options, discover its cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and excitement London offers.
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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/)*