**Exploring London as a Student: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample insights into life within this lively city. London stands out as a dynamic and multicultural hub, boasting a variety of housing alternatives alongside the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of accommodation possibilities readily available. From student residences to private rentals, choices include ensuite bathrooms, suites, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, examine amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my search for living quarters, I aimed to find a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social scenes, and, notably, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city’s robust public transport network, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across zones. Nonetheless, I was determined to minimize transportation expenses, as travel between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently walked short distances instead of relying on buses or the Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. The London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the city center, with varying fares based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I was going to university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental burden. I preferred to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, seeking to connect with fellow students from different backgrounds and ages—a connection that might have been difficult to establish in private rentals.
One of my key considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Some of London’s most prevalent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time, especially during hectic times like examinations.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is prominent for its sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, markets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the many vibrant communities that contribute to London’s distinctive living experience.
In conclusion, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a home in this vibrant city, take time to appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and thrill of living in one of the globe’s most extraordinary cities.
—
*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/)