**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**

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

Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I have gained significant insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, characterized not only by a vast array of accommodation choices but also by the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students have numerous housing possibilities right at their fingertips. From student residences to private lodgings, options abound, including ensuite and shared restrooms, private bedrooms, studio units, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.

In my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major sights, social centers, and of course, the Imperial College campus was a must. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s public transport system is superb, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. I specifically aimed to reduce my travel expenditures, as moving between zones can incur daily costs of up to £5.25. I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting expenses to the university. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond Central London, with fares fluctuating depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator.

Residing in Central London brings the advantage of being near prominent attractions but also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, drastically lessening our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing since I wished to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that might have been harder to achieve in private accommodations.

For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.

Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural fabric, offering an enriching mix of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, complete with many Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, presents an exciting selection of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the numerous diverse communities that comprise London’s neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you hunt for a new home within this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrills that this extraordinary city presents.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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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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