**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While that may not appear extensive, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences during this time. London is a remarkably dynamic metropolis, not only boasting a myriad of accommodation options but also vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, housing options are plentiful and available right at their fingertips. Whether in search of student residences or private lodgings, a broad selection awaits, comprising ensuite and communal bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly coordinate apartment viewings, whereas international students can take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes online, review the available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transit.
In my personal quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to the city’s key landmarks, social hotspots, and, notably, the Imperial College campus was my priority. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s outstanding transport system, encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement around and between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my commuting costs manageable, as daily inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. However, utilizing an Oyster card can greatly diminish travel costs for university journeys. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach regions beyond central London, with fares differing based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to major attractions, albeit accompanied by elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, thus significantly lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation with the expectation of meeting peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily accessible. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like examination weeks.
Selecting the right area to reside in can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students seek regions that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown offers a bustling blend of Chinese dining venues, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-centric neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, determining the ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. When seeking a new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing alternatives, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has in store.
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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/)