**Exploring London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained some important perspectives throughout my experience. London is a bustling and multicultural metropolis, rich in a variety of housing options as well as a multitude of communities. Students have numerous alternatives for their living arrangements, whether they prefer dedicated student accommodations or private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared facilities, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is typically simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, discover amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
When I embarked on my search for housing, my preference was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near prominent attractions, social venues, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a robust public transport system, including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement within the city. Yet, I was particularly inclined to minimize my travel expenses, as commuting between zones can accumulate charges up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I usually chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card can significantly reduce commuting costs for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas farther from central London. Fares vary based on distance and the specific operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something less achievable through private rentals.
One of my key considerations was living close to grocery stores. Popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a great deal of time, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of areas to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards locations that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Moreover, Chinatown in the West End showcases a vibrant hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a few illustrations of the many diverse communities that render London such an extraordinary place to call home.
Ultimately, the best place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When seeking accommodation, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)