**Exploring Housing and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my ninth month in London. Although nine months might not appear to be a significant duration, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge in this time. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, both in its extensive housing alternatives and the diverse communities that inhabit it. For scholars, the city presents an array of housing opportunities readily available. Whether you are in search of student accommodation or private housing, there are numerous choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing on the internet, assess available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to remain close to the city’s prominent sights, social venues, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first and second being the most central. The city boasts an extensive public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel between these zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has greatly reduced commuting expenses to university. Moreover, London’s Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, covering regions outside central London. The fares for these services differ based on the distance travelled and the fare policies of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses due to the closeness to prominent attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a fellow student, which significantly alleviated our rental costs. I chose intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the opportunity to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something more difficult to achieve in private housing.
Having grocery stores in proximity was essential for me. London features several common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities enrich the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a wealth of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Furthermore, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub featuring a range of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few of the city’s numerous community-centric areas.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this lively city, embrace the diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)