**Experiencing Life and Housing in London: My Nine-Month Adventure**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this duration might not seem extensive, I’ve garnered several key observations throughout my time here. London is a lively and multifaceted city, not only due to its wide range of accommodation choices but also because of the varied communities that reside within it. For students, the city presents an array of living arrangements, from student residences to private rentals, featuring options from ensuite and shared bathrooms to personal rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually scout potential homes, evaluate amenities, and determine accessibility to public transport.
When I commenced my hunt for a living space, I was eager to find a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s prominent attractions, social venues, and, of course, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with one and two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport infrastructure, including the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. Nevertheless, I was conscious of reducing travel expenses, as crossing zones can result in daily costs of up to £5.25. To economize, I opted for shorter walks rather than public transportation. Fortunately, the Oyster card system has significantly lowered commuting costs to the university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. The pricing for these services varies based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I decided to opt for intercollegiate student housing, hoping to encounter other students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—an amalgamation that’s often more challenging to find within private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was paramount. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also present. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly beneficial, especially during exam periods when every minute counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s multicultural communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting several neighbourhoods with unique identities. Many international students often lean towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music environment. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the heart of the West End is a bustling locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the many lively community neighbourhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this remarkable city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, explore its cultural corners, and relish the convenience and exhilaration that London has in store.
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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/)