**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, I have gained some significant perspectives throughout my experience. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, showcasing not only a plethora of housing alternatives but also a rich tapestry of its communities. Students find themselves facing an extensive range of choices at their disposal. Whether you seek student residences or private housing, the variety spans from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite manageable, whereas international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to call home, I was particularly interested in securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, lively spots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features a superb public transport system, encompassing the Underground (often referred to as the tube), buses, and trains, ensuring easy navigation and travel across various zones. Nevertheless, I was aware of the travel expenses, as moving between zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depending on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card has made my university commute more economical. Besides the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the central zone, though ticket prices vary based on distance and the individual train company.
Residing in Central London comes with its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing since I desired to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics—something that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my main focuses was to live near supermarkets. Among the most prevalent grocery stores in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also readily available. Proximity to essential shops, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, proves to be incredibly helpful, particularly during hectic periods such as exam seasons.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can prove to be a complex decision. The city’s diverse ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting a wide array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students search for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and dynamic music culture. Simultaneously, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These merely scratch the surface of the numerous community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
In conclusion, the ideal area to inhabit in London ultimately hinges on your individual inclinations and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new abode in this remarkable city, invest time in exploring its varied housing choices, dive into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)*