**Exploring Life and Living Options in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may not seem like a lengthy period, it has been sufficient for me to acquire some insightful knowledge about life in this lively metropolis. London not only boasts a variety of accommodation styles but also encompasses diverse communities that inhabit the city. For students, the city presents a wealth of housing alternatives right at their fingertips. Whether you’re in search of student accommodation or private lodgings, there are numerous choices available, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while international students can explore platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually tour properties, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, I focused on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s major attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city is equipped with a superb transportation system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate between different zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on the bus or tube. That being said, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to the university. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the particular fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails higher living expenditures. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which allowed us to cut down on rent expenses substantially. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with students from diverse backgrounds of a similar age group—something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
For me, living near supermarkets was crucial. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies can save ample time, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the right neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural essence, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comforts of their native countries in this bustling city. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its large South Asian crowd, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, provides a broad selection of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of the myriad of community-centric neighborhoods in London.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, discover its cultural hubs, and enjoy the convenience and thrill that London 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/)