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

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

Not long ago, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insight during this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, not just in its variety of accommodation options but also in the vast array of communities that reside here. Particularly for students, there is an extensive selection of housing available. From student residences to private rentals, possibilities vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing online, review available features, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

During my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be in proximity to the city’s prominent sights, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city benefits from an exceptional transportation network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies movement within and between zones. However, I was keen on reducing my travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. That being said, the Oyster card has rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes extend past the Underground, serving locations outside central London. The pricing for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates based on both the distance and the fare system of each train operator.

Residing in Central London presents the advantage of being near key attractions, but it also implies elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share accommodation with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I aspired to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an aspect that would have been more difficult with private rentals.

For me, having grocery stores nearby was a high priority. Some of the most familiar supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously convenient, particularly during hectic times such as exam seasons.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. London’s multicultural communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse areas. Numerous international students seek locations that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London is well-known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring a multitude of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, provides an extensive range of Chinese dining options, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods within the city.

In the end, the optimal area to call home in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you embark on the search for your new residence in this metropolis, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London generously offers.

*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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