**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has indeed provided me ample opportunity to discover several facets of this lively metropolis. London boasts a wide array of accommodation choices alongside its diverse communities. Students are remarkably fortunate in their housing options, which include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while those from abroad can utilize resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to survey housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate the convenience of public transport access.
In my personal quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to reside near the city’s prominent attractions, social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city’s superb public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy commutes between the zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Still, the Oyster card options have significantly lowered commuting costs to university. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Tube network, with ticket prices varying based on the distance and each train operator’s fare system.
Residing in Central London does entail a steep cost reflecting its closeness to major landmarks. Thankfully, I was going to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to make substantial savings on rent. I had a preference for intercollegiate student housing, as I was enthusiastic about meeting peers from various backgrounds and ages—a combination that could be harder to find in private rentals.
One key factor in my housing choice was the proximity to grocery stores. Popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living near essential establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, providing a wide array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students seek locales reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is famed for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Meanwhile, the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End showcases multiple Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a snapshot of the numerous community-centric neighbourhoods throughout London.
In the end, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place to call home or simply exploring the city, take the time to appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, uncover its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city offers.
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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/)