**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days back, I celebrated my ninth month of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained valuable insights during this time. London is an ever-changing and lively metropolis, not only due to its extensive range of housing choices but also due to the variety of its communities. Students, in particular, have numerous options available to them. Whether opting for student residences or private rentals, choices span from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is hassle-free, while international students can depend on online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to find suitable housing, review offered amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My goal was to be in close proximity to the city’s prominent sites, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—composed of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—making it convenient to navigate among these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to cut down on my transportation costs, as traveling between zones can add up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on buses or the tube. That said, utilizing an Oyster card has rendered my university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the central zones, providing wider access. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London offers various advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses due to its closeness to main attractions. Luckily, I was enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. Personally, I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, as I was enthusiastic about engaging with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that can be difficult to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in presents its challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural tapestry, showcasing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to experience. Many international students tend to congregate in locations that evoke familiarity from their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian populace, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. On the other hand, Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the epicenter of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of London’s wealth of culturally diverse neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new abode in this city, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)