**Exploring Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of insight in that time. London is an ever-evolving and varied metropolis, not just in terms of housing selections but also in the array of communities that reside within it. Students, especially, have a multitude of housing options available to them. From student residences to private accommodations, options include ensuite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling viewings for apartments is relatively easy, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential accommodations online, evaluate available amenities, and gauge closeness to public transit.
In my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to remain near key attractions, social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network that includes the underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement between different locales. Nonetheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. To save funds, I typically preferred to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has significantly eased my commuting costs to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. The fares for these services vary based on the distance traveled and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted for room sharing, which substantially lowered our rent. I chose to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and ages—something that might have been tougher to accomplish in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly conserves time, particularly during hectic periods like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London are an essential component of the city’s cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students find themselves drawn to areas reminiscent of their own homes. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional fashion stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples are just a glimpse of the many neighborhood communities that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
In the end, the ideal locality to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for your next residence in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city presents.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*