**Experiencing Life in London: Insights from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has provided me with numerous important insights about life in this dynamic city. London showcases a remarkable diversity not only in its housing options but also in the communities residing within it. For students, a vast array of accommodation choices is easily accessible. Whether in search of student housing or private rentals, options are available that range from ensuite and shared facilities to private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout potential living spaces, evaluate available features, and determine accessibility to public transport—all from the ease of their current location.
In my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain close to prominent attractions, social venues, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric areas, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city is served by an excellent public transport system, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across different zones. However, I wished to keep my travel expenses manageable, as crossing zones can reach up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I opted for walking short distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the specific train providers.
Living in Central London comes with the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, but it also corresponds to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations since I wanted to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that would have been more complicated through private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most frequently found supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic periods such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal 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 rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students seek out areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the center of the West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of the varied community neighborhoods available in London.
Ultimately, determining the best area to live in London hinges on one’s individual preferences and needs. As you embark on your search for a new home within this city, embrace the diversity and wealth of London’s accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city provides.
—
*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/)*