**Exploring Housing and Living in London: A Personal Account**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my residency in London. While this duration might appear brief, it has provided me with significant insights about life in this vibrant city. London is a metropolis that thrives on diversity—not only in its inhabitants but also in its extensive selection of housing options. Whether you are a student or a working professional, you will find numerous choices available to you. The spectrum of accommodation includes student residences, private rentals, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. For students living at home, securing a viewing for an apartment is simple, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, examine facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I prioritized securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near significant landmarks, vibrant social areas, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an efficient public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement across different zones. Nevertheless, I sought to reduce my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can set you back up to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I preferred walking short distances over opting for public transportation. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system provides cheaper travel, especially for students going to university. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these modes of transport fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare regulations.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails increased living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to interact with individuals from various backgrounds who were in a similar age bracket—something more challenging in private housing.
A key priority for me was proximity to grocery stores. Among the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging task. The ethnic communities of London contribute to the city’s cultural richness, creating a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, showcasing multitude of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a lively area packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a few of the many community-centric neighborhoods that the city has to offer.
In conclusion, the most suitable place to live in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new residence, embrace the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city 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/)