**Experiencing Life and Housing in London: A Personal Journey**

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

Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might seem brief, I’ve acquired significant insights throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, showcasing not just a myriad of accommodation choices but also a rich tapestry of communities. Students here have ample options, with various housing alternatives available nearby. Whether you seek student residences or private lodgings, you can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is a cinch, whereas international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

In my own quest for a living space, I focused on finding a room in Central London. My goal was to remain near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, undeniably, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across different areas. However, I wished to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing between zones can run up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transit. However, the Oyster card provides discounted journeys, making university commutes more cost-effective. In addition to the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services reach out to regions beyond central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and each train company’s rate structure.

Residing in Central London brings its advantages, yet it also entails heightened living expenses due to its closeness to significant attractions. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, leading us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that can be less accessible with private rentals.

One of my key considerations when selecting a living space was its closeness to grocery stores. Some of the most frequent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling epicenter of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the eclectic neighborhoods that contribute to London’s cultural mosaic.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this remarkable city, embrace the variety of accommodation options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.

*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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