**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Life in the City**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, I’ve gained significant insights about the city during this time. London is an energetic and lively metropolis, famed not only for its varied housing selections but also for the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide array of living arrangements, ranging from student dormitories to private rentals, including options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to find housing options online, evaluate available amenities, and determine proximity to public transit.

As I sought a place to stay, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social venues, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features an efficient public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across different zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses down, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the Tube. Nonetheless, having an Oyster card has made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones, with inter-zone travel pricing varying by distance and the fare schedule of each train service.

Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room to significantly lower our rental expenditures. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and ages—an interaction that would have been less feasible in private housing.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some prevalent supermarket options in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as budget-friendly stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is a substantial time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood to live in can pose a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities form an essential aspect of London’s cultural landscape, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to favor neighborhoods reminiscent of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, hosting numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean populace and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving area bursting with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout London.

In the end, the most suitable area to reside in is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. While embarking on the hunt for accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity, discover its cultural havens, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary metropolis provides.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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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