**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it might not sound extensive, it has provided me ample opportunity to discover much about life in this lively city. London is rich in both accommodation choices and the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, there is a plethora of options readily available. Whether seeking student housing or private lodgings, one can find an array of alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while those from abroad can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential residences online, assess amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s prominent attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two constituting the core area. The city’s stellar public transport system, which includes the Underground (the “Tube”), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel between zones. However, I was determined to minimize travel expenses, as traversing zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, London’s Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. Pricing for these services differs based on distance and the fare structure established by each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also comes with increased living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. Personally, I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that might have proven more challenging with private housing.
Another crucial aspect for me was accessibility to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood is quite a challenge. London’s multicultural communities constitute an essential element of the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a vast array of neighborhoods to explore. Numerous international students look for areas that echo their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is notable for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music ambiance. Conversely, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural districts, and revel in the convenience and excitement that living here 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/)*