**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month anniversary of my stay in London. Although this might appear to be a brief period, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge throughout my time here. London is a truly vibrant city, characterized not only by a plethora of housing choices but also by the myriad of communities that inhabit it. Particularly, students have a vast selection of accommodation options available. From student residences to private rentals, the variety includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared apartments, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students find it easy to schedule apartment viewings, while international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse housing online, check amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I was focused on securing a room in Central London. I desired to be near key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most urbanized. The exceptional public transport network—encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement and travel across different zones. Nevertheless, I sought to lower my travel expenses, as moving between zones can be as high as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. That said, utilizing an Oyster card substantially lowers commuting fees for university scholars. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central districts. Prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it inevitably leads to heightened living expenses given its closeness to prominent attractions. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to cohabit, allowing us to reduce our rent considerably. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging with private leases.
Having grocery stores nearby was crucial for me. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas reflective of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located centrally in the West End, is an energetic area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few instances of the many community-centric neighbourhoods found in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London is determined by your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a place to call home in this city, embrace the diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
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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/)*