**Exploring Life and Living Arrangements in London: A Reflective Account**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear lengthy, I’ve gained considerable insight into this vibrant metropolis. London is renowned not just for its wide array of accommodation types but also for the lively communities that reside here. Students have numerous housing options—ranging from student housing to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, as well as studio apartments and house shares. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is generally uncomplicated, while international students can access platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore possible accommodations online, evaluate facilities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near significant attractions, social hotspots, and, more importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. However, I was eager to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably more economical. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to suburbs beyond the city center, with fares differing based on distance and the specific train service.
Residing in Central London can be pricey due to its closeness to major landmarks. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I went for intercollegiate student housing since I was keen on meeting students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most frequented supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exams.
Deciding on the ideal neighborhood can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for areas that mirror their homeland. For example, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, offering an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling zone bursting with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent only a few of the many community-centered neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London is influenced by your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new residence or merely discovering the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s accommodation offerings, immerse yourself in its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.
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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/)