**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear lengthy, it has provided me with numerous insights about life in this lively metropolis. London is characterized by its varied accommodation choices as well as the diverse communities that reside here. For students, there are plenty of options available in the realm of housing. Whether you’re in search of student halls or private rentals, an array of choices awaits you, including ensuite or shared bathrooms, single or shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually tour properties, examine amenities, and evaluate transport links.
In my quest for lodging, I had a particular interest in securing a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social centers, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus was a priority. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transport network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement across different zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, given that inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. To save costs, I preferred walking shorter distances instead of using public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university far more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside of central London. Prices for these services depend on distance and the specific pricing structures of each train operator.
Residing in Central London presents advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I could share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rent burden. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a combination often challenging to find in private rentals.
A significant factor for me was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the prominent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland stand out as more economical choices. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves ample time, particularly during hectic periods such as exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural tapestry, providing a wide array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. Located in the heart of the West End, Chinatown buzzes with life, showcasing a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the many culturally vibrant neighborhoods found in London.
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace its rich diversity and vast accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and excitement that London provides.
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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/)*