**Living in London: My Journey Through Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a short duration, it has been ample time for me to gain a few important insights. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, showcasing not only varied housing alternatives but also the lively communities that populate it. For students, the city boasts a multitude of accommodation opportunities available right at their fingertips. From student residences to private rentals, there is no shortage of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange face-to-face apartment viewings, while international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to tour potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
In my personal quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social sites, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. The city is segmented into six surrounding zones, with zones one and two being the heart of the city. The superior transport network—made up of the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. However, I sought to limit my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can reach £5.25 daily. To economize, I regularly chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transportation. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to campus more budget-friendly. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend their reach beyond the Underground scope, encompassing regions outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare policy.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, although it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was studying alongside a friend, and we agreed to share accommodation, which greatly lessened our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that can be challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my main considerations was living close to grocery stores. Some of London’s most popular supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a splendid array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the eclectic community neighborhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the most suitable locale for residing in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you set out on your quest for a new dwelling in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing offerings, discover its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city presents.
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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/)