**Experiencing Life and Housing in London: A Student’s Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive period, I’ve gained substantial insights into living in this dynamic city. London is not just varied in its housing alternatives but also in the communities that inhabit it. Here, students have a plethora of housing options available to them, including student accommodations and private rentals. These selections encompass ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential rentals online, review available amenities, and gauge closeness to public transit.
During my quest for accommodation, I was eager to secure a room to rent in Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport system, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel among these zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as travelling between zones can be as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making it easier to commute to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that’s more challenging to find in private lodgings.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the widely used supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near fundamental stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly helpful, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can prove difficult. The ethnic communities of London are an integral part of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. In the bustling West End, Chinatown provides a vibrant hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the diverse communities that contribute to London’s unique living experience.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this lively city, take the opportunity to explore the variety and wealth of its housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has to provide.
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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/)