**Exploring London: Insights on Housing and Lifestyle from a Student’s Viewpoint**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during my time here. London boasts a lively and multicultural atmosphere, reflected not only in its accommodation choices but also in the multitude of communities that inhabit the city. For students, the options for housing are plentiful. From student residences to privately rented places, the range includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students have the ease of scheduling physical apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, check available features, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I was particularly eager to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social venues, and, notably, the Imperial College campus was important to me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s stellar public transportation, which encompasses the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as traversing between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. That being said, the Oyster card system has significantly lowered my commuting expenses to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Tube network, with travel fares varying based on distance and the specific pricing of the train company.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also comes with elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably lessened our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I sought to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of a similar age—a blend that would have been trickier to find in private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more cost-effective choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London form a vital aspect of the city’s cultural diversity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiar environments upon their arrival in London. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, presents a diverse selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous community-centric neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)