**Exploring London: My Journey with Student Housing and City Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge during this time. London is a dynamic and diverse metropolis, characterized not only by its housing options but also by the myriad of communities that reside here. Students, in particular, have an abundance of choices available to them. From student accommodations to private rentals, options vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For students living at home, arranging apartment viewings is simple, while those from abroad can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover their prospective accommodations online, examine the amenities, and consider the accessibility to public transport.
In my personal quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a rental room in Central London. I aimed to be close to the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an extensive public transport network—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—making it convenient to navigate and travel between zones. Nevertheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenditures to a minimum, as cross-zone fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail stretch beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. The pricing for these services varies based on the distance traveled and the fare policies of the respective train companies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to a considerable decrease in our rent. I decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and akin age groups—an endeavor that would have been more challenging in private housing.
A personal priority for me was being close to grocery stores. Some of the leading supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic seasons like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, offering a rich assortment of neighborhoods to explore. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the diverse community-centered neighborhoods the city has to offer.
In the end, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find your new residence in this vibrant metropolis, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city presents.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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/)