**Exploring Life and Living Arrangements in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, not only regarding its diverse range of housing possibilities but also in the different communities that reside here. Particularly for students, there is an abundance of accommodation choices available. From student halls to private rentals, the selections include ensuite and suite options, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, organizing apartment viewings is quite straightforward, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore suitable housing options online, investigate amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
At the start of my quest for a living space, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system, which encompasses the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across various zones. Nevertheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or Tube. That said, having an Oyster card has considerably reduced my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, managing areas outside central London. The fares for these services vary according to the distance traveled and the fare structure of the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing as it allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and of a similar age—something that would be trickier in private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Access to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time saver, particularly during hectic times such as exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in isn’t a straightforward task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, offering a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London hosts a sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Similarly, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a fraction of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods across London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore the cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)*