**Exploring London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Living**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While that might not seem extensive, it has provided me with numerous essential insights into life within this dynamic city. London is celebrated not just for its extensive array of housing options but also for the variety of communities that reside here. Students, in particular, have access to numerous choices. Whether you’re seeking student accommodation or private rentals, numerous options are available—spanning from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively easy, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online, examine facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

Throughout my own quest for housing, I was eager to find a room to rent in Central London. I aimed to be near major sights, vibrant social areas, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London consists of six overlapping zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city features an outstanding public transport network, consisting of the Underground (commonly referred to as the tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across different zones. Nevertheless, I was mindful of the expenses linked to inter-zonal travel, which can accumulate to £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. That being said, using an Oyster card can render commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. The expense of inter-zone travel on these services varies based on the distance and fare system of the train operator.

Residing in Central London, while convenient, comes with a significant cost due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which notably decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that might have been more challenging in private rentals.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Living near vital establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time during errands, which proves particularly beneficial during examination periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London is well-known for its sizable South Asian population, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of the myriad dynamic community neighborhoods throughout London.

In the end, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and needs. As you embark on your quest for a new residence in this lively city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, explore its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement that comes with residing in one of the globe’s most extraordinary cities.

*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/)*

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