**Navigating London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I have gleaned a substantial amount of knowledge throughout this time. London is an ever-changing metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing choices but also because of its vibrant communities. Students have numerous living options available right at their fingertips. Both accommodation tailored for students and private renting provide an assortment of choices, among them ensuite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment tours, while those from abroad can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to view potential homes online, explore amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
While searching for my own living situation, I prioritized finding a place in Central London. I wanted to stay close to the city’s major attractions, social spots, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is split into six concentric zones, with one and two being the most central. It features a comprehensive transit system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal commuting can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card options have made commuting to class more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central part of the city. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure.
Living in Central London has the advantage of being close to major attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a university friend, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was excited to connect with individuals from varying backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be less frequently found in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was an essential element for me when selecting a place to stay. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Deciding on the right neighbourhood to reside in can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural scene, presenting a rich blend of distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area bustling with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the numerous community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. When seeking a new home in this lively city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement that London can provide.
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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/)