**Exploring London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Life**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it’s been sufficient for me to grasp some important insights about living in this dynamic city. London showcases a rich variety of accommodation possibilities as well as diverse communities. For students, there are numerous options for housing, including student residences and private rentals, with choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily organize in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing online, inspect amenities, and evaluate distances to public transportation.

When I started looking for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s major landmarks, entertainment centers, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city has a superb public transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, allowing for easy navigation. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transit. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card has made traveling to university considerably cheaper. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching regions outside central London. The ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the train operators.

Residing in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to major landmarks, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, intending to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would be more challenging to achieve through private rentals.

A key factor for me when selecting a residence was the closeness to grocery stores. Some popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Determining the ideal neighborhood to live in can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural landscape, offering a remarkable array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students look for areas reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, with an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively musical scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, presents a vibrant setting with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples are just a glimpse into the numerous diverse communities that contribute to London’s uniqueness.

In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London varies based on your personal preferences and requirements. While looking for a home in this city, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, explore the cultural neighborhoods, and take pleasure in the convenience and thrill that London presents.

*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/)*

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