**Experiencing London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained considerable insights throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing options but also by the variety of cultures that make it their home. Especially for students, there exists a plethora of choices. From dormitories to individual rentals, options vary from private to shared bathrooms, personal rooms, studio flats, and communal living spaces. Local students have a relatively simple process for booking apartment viewings, while those coming from abroad can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually tour potential accommodations, examine facilities, and evaluate access to public transit.
At the outset of my quest for accommodation, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s primary attractions, social venues, and, notably, Imperial College’s campus was essential to me. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a remarkable transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses since crossing zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I made a habit of walking shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. However, the Oyster card system has certainly made my university commutes much more economical. Moreover, London’s Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching outlying areas. The fares for these services are determined by distance traveled and the fare policies of the specific train operators.
Living in Central London provides its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I personally favored residing in intercollegiate student lodgings, as I aimed to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that I found more challenging to attain in private rentals.
A major concern for me was choosing a location close to grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and drugstores is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Determining the right neighborhood to reside in can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant assortment of diverse locales. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London houses a considerable South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Likewise, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, bustles with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as merely a few illustrations of the many community-centric neighborhoods throughout London.
In conclusion, the ideal location to settle in relies on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in London, take in the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural segments, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary metropolis 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/)*