**Experiencing Living Arrangements and Life in London: My 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. Although this may not seem extensive, it has been sufficient for me to glean several important insights. London is an energetic and lively city, characterized not only by its diverse accommodation offerings but also by the multitude of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents a plethora of housing options readily accessible. Whether you’re in search of student lodgings or private residences, choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential lodgings online, scrutinize amenities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aspiration was to be near major attractions, social hubs, and, definitely, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating seamless navigation among these zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk short distances instead of taking public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing coverage to areas outside central London. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services varies based on the distance and the fare structure of each train operator.
Central London houses many of the city’s landmark attractions, which also renders it one of the priciest areas to reside. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, substantially decreasing our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to connect with students from varied backgrounds and of a similar age group—something that would have been more difficult to achieve with private housing.
For me, being in proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves considerable time, particularly during hectic times such as the exam period.
Selecting the right neighborhood can present a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities are integral to the city’s cultural fabric, offering a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students search for areas reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community and boasts numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Concurrently, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the many culturally rich neighborhoods spread across London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in this city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation alternatives, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)