**Exploring London: A Student’s View on Housing and Urban Living**
*Crafted by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not sound extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights about the city. London is a lively and varied metropolis, not only in terms of its housing alternatives but also in the array of communities that inhabit it. For students, there are ample housing opportunities, ranging from student-specific residences to private rentals. You can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule in-person viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine their potential homes online, review facilities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s primary landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The public transport system, which comprises the Underground (known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nevertheless, I was keen on minimizing my transport expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or Tube. However, having an Oyster card significantly reduced my commuting expenses to the university. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach destinations beyond the central zones, with fares differing based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London has the advantage of being close to prominent attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to engage with other students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
A key factor in selecting my residence was the proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Finding the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a wide range 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 sizable South Asian community and is home to numerous Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. Similarly, Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In the bustling heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a lively area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These illustrate just a few of the diverse neighbourhoods that the city has to offer.
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new abode or simply discovering the city, embrace the variety of London’s housing options, dive into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city 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/)