**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month mark in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve acquired significant knowledge about the lifestyle within this lively city. London boasts a dynamic environment, characterized not only by its plethora of accommodation choices but also by the richness of its communities. Students here enjoy a wealth of options when it comes to living arrangements. Whether seeking student residences or private rentals, there’s a variety for all—spanning ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, as well as studio flats and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students have access to sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential residences online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
At the onset of my accommodation search, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Being near the city’s primary attractions, social locales, and, notably, Imperial College’s campus was high on my priority list. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two considered the core. The city’s outstanding public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. However, to minimize travel expenses (as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily), I opted to walk shorter distances instead of consistently utilizing public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commutes to university significantly more economical. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond central London, with fares depending on distance and the specific operator.
Residing in Central London comes with its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to cohabitate, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I chose to reside in intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with a diverse student body around my age—a blend that would have been more challenging to discover in private housing.
Having grocery stores nearby was also essential for me. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in close proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies truly saves time, especially during hectic periods such as exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a difficult choice. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students look for the comfort of familiar environments. For example, Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, determining the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to explore the varied accommodation choices, engage with the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.
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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/)