**Experiencing Life in London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I accomplished the milestone of living in London for nine months. Although nine months might seem brief, it has been ample time for me to discover several important aspects of this dynamic city. London is rich in both housing options and the communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there is an abundance of choices available. From student residences to private housing, offerings include ensuite bathrooms, shared facilities, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is hassle-free, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, vibrant social areas, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city features an outstanding transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and inter-zone travel quite convenient. However, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I often chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, having an Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting expenses to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services service areas beyond the Tube network, with varied fares depending on distance and the fare structure of the respective train operators.
Living in Central London has its advantages, yet it also brings elevated living expenses due to the proximity to major attractions. Luckily, I shared a room with a friend from university, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that could have been more challenging with private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also available. Dwelling close to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood to reside in can be quite challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mosaic of various neighbourhoods. Many international students look for familiar environments upon arriving in London. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian presence, featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the city’s colorful community neighbourhoods.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you seek out a new place to live, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing possibilities, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)*