**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days prior, I reached the milestone of living in London for nine months. Although it may appear to be a brief duration, this time has been filled with valuable insights. London is a vibrant and multifaceted metropolis, offering not only a wide range of accommodation types but also a plethora of communities that reside within its boundaries. For students, there exists an abundance of housing options, from student-specific residences to private rentals. Choices span ensuite and shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students often turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible homes online, review amenities, and determine proximity to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for a residence, my preference was to find a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, vibrant social venues, and of course, the Imperial College campus was important to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two considered the central areas. The city’s comprehensive public transport framework—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, I endeavored to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card greatly lowers commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, serving areas outside of central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on the distance traveled and the fare structure employed by the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, though it also entails steeper living expenses due to its closeness to major sights. Luckily, I was studying alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations since I aimed to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and ages—a combination that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, the proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Prominent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies close by saves a great deal of time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to call home is a challenging choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a rich selection of areas to discover. Many international students gravitate towards places that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire retailers. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its lively Afro-Caribbean culture and music scene. In the centre of London’s West End, Chinatown presents a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home, embrace the city’s rich diversity, explore its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to offer.
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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/)