**Exploring Housing and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights along the way. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, characterized not only by its housing options but also by the myriad communities that inhabit it. For students, there exists a plethora of housing alternatives right at their fingertips. Whether you’re considering student accommodations or private housing, choices vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment showings, while international students have the opportunity to utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually explore prospective residences, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for a place to live, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to stay near the city’s primary attractions, social venues, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s remarkable transportation system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. However, I sought to limit my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than always depending on public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting expenses to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails high living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and of similar ages—something more challenging with private housing.
A key consideration for me was living near grocery outlets. The most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; however, more budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies has been a tremendous time-saver, particularly during exam periods when every moment is crucial.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural identity, providing a rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, offering numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is known for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighborhoods within the city.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is determined by your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this vibrant metropolis, relish the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and appreciate the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)