**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months since my relocation to London. Although it might not appear significant, I’ve gathered plenty of insights throughout my time here. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, offering not only a range of housing choices but also a spectrum of communities that inhabit it. Students in this city enjoy numerous options, from student residences to private rentals, with alternatives that include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For students residing here, scheduling apartment tours is a simple task, whereas international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to review potential living spaces online, evaluate available features, and gauge distance to public transport.
As I searched for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key sights, social hotspots, and, undoubtedly, the campus of Imperial College was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The transportation network is superb, with the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy travel. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often opted to walk for short distances instead of using public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card presents budget-friendly travel alternatives, particularly beneficial for university journeys. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground framework, operating in zones external to Central London. The fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare system of each operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Lucky for me, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to cohabit, which substantially reduced our rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations in hopes of meeting peers from various backgrounds and ages—something not as easily attainable in private housing.
A key concern for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam sessions.
Determining the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a vibrant South Asian community, featuring Indian cuisine, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-centric neighborhoods populating the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is determined by your individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for your next home in this metropolis, welcome the diversity and wealth of housing selections, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)