**Experiencing Life and Housing in London: A Student’s Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration might not be extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunity to discover several key insights about existence in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its vast selection of housing types but also for the rich mosaic of communities that reside within it. Students, particularly, are fortunate to have a plethora of options regarding their living arrangements. Whether in the market for student accommodations or private rentals, a wide variety exists—spanning from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, organizing a viewing for an apartment is a simple task, while international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible lodging options online, review facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for a suitable place to stay, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to position myself near the city’s prime attractions, social hotspots, and, above all, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The comprehensive public transport network—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement throughout the city. Nevertheless, I aimed to limit my travel expenses, since traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the Tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card has greatly decreased the cost of commuting to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the central zones, with inter-zone travel costs differing based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails greater living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was keen on connecting with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, being in close proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the ubiquitous supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Having vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies close by is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood is no simple feat. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a multitude of distinct neighbourhoods. Numerous international students search for locales that evoke the feeling of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian populace, complete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are a few illustrations of the various community-centric neighbourhoods found throughout London.
In conclusion, the optimal area to reside in is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, take the opportunity to delve into the city’s diverse accommodation choices, engage with its cultural niches, and relish the ease and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)