**Experiencing Life in London: A Student’s Take on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I have gained considerable insights in this time. London is an ever-evolving and lively metropolis, characterized by its extensive housing alternatives as well as the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, there are ample housing options readily available. From student residences to private rentals, the variety includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students find it easy to arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, evaluate amenities, and determine their distance from public transport.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. Being near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and importantly, the campus of Imperial College was important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transit system, consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates movement between these zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses down since inter-zonal rides can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk short routes instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has greatly reduced commuting costs to university. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London, with fares varying based on distance and each train operator’s fare framework.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but also comes with increased living expenses due to its closeness to major sights. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly lightened our rental burden. I personally favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided an opportunity to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages—a mix that can be less common in private rentals.
When selecting a residence, one of my key concerns was the closeness to grocery stores. London hosts some of the most popular supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to necessary shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be a tough decision. The ethnic communities of London are crucial to its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse range of neighbourhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of connection in this sprawling city. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods that London showcases.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your individual interests and requirements. As you begin your quest for a new home in this city, cherish the plethora and richness of its housing choices, dive into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)*