**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Student Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my residency in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has provided me with ample opportunities to discover various facets of this dynamic city. London boasts a rich variety of accommodation choices as well as the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, the options are abundant, spanning student housing and private rentals. Choices comprise ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing options online, view amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College was a priority. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s expansive transport system—including the underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I preferred walking shorter distances instead of utilizing buses or the Tube. That said, having an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. For those venturing beyond the central zones, London Overground and National Rail services extend further into the city, though ticket prices differ based on distance and the pricing schemes of train operators.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, yet it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which notably reduced our rent costs. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodation since I aspired to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something more difficult to achieve through private rentals.
One of my primary considerations was finding a residence close to grocery stores. Among London’s most popular supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being near essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during exam seasons when every second matters.
Selecting a neighbourhood to reside in can be daunting, given London’s vastness and diversity. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods. Many international students seek out areas that evoke their hometowns. For instance, Southall in West London has a prominent South Asian community featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling centre of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few of the many community-centered neighbourhoods available in London.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London relies on your individual preferences and requirements. When embarking on your housing search, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of London’s accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city provides.
—
*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/)