**Exploring Housing and Life in London: A Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear as an extensive period, I have gained considerable insights during my time here. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not only due to its extensive range of accommodation choices but also because of the varied communities it hosts. For students, there are numerous housing solutions readily available. Whether you seek student lodging or private living spaces, options abound, including ensuite or shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, or shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be situated near the principal attractions, vibrant social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement across zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can incur a fee of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently walked shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. That said, using an Oyster card has made going to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of individual train operators.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, yet it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which dramatically lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with individuals from various backgrounds who are around my age—a combination that would have been more challenging to find in private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, particularly during exams when each moment counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to the city’s cultural fabric, offering a rich tapestry of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of the countless diverse communities that contribute to London’s charm.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your journey to find a new home in this magnificent city, appreciate the diversity of London’s housing selections, explore its culturally rich neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that life 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/)