**Experiencing the Housing Landscape in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this might not appear as a lengthy duration, it has provided me with enough time to gain some perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is an energetic hub, not only in terms of its wide range of housing options but also in the multitude of communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there is an abundance of choices available. From student accommodations to private leases, options range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is relatively simple, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, examine facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
When I initiated my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College was my primary goal. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s robust transportation network, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. Yet, I was eager to keep my travel costs down, as transit between zones can be as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently walked shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with fares that depend on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages but also brings about increased living expenses. Luckily, I was studying alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that can be harder to encounter in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retail outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a genuine time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam time.
Determining the ideal neighborhood can be challenging. London’s rich cultural variety is evident in its numerous ethnic communities, which are a fundamental part of the city’s essence. Numerous international students are drawn to neighborhoods that provide a semblance of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian community, featuring a plethora of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, boasts a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community alongside its thriving music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the center of the West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of the dynamic community neighborhoods that London presents.
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and needs. Whether you are on the lookout for a new residence or simply discovering the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing selections, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city 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/)