**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While this duration may appear brief, I’ve gained considerable insights throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not only for its extensive selection of housing options but also for the varied communities residing within it. Students here enjoy an abundance of choices regarding accommodation. From student residences to private housing, options range from ensuite and shared baths to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students have a straightforward process for booking apartment viewings, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodations online, view amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for lodging, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial College’s campus was crucial for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a vast transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. That being said, the Oyster card provides considerable savings for students commuting to university. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail go beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each operator’s fare policies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses, particularly regarding rent. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a mix that would have been difficult to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains in London comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are accessible as well. Proximity to fundamental stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, is a major time saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Finding the ideal neighbourhood can prove to be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural quilt, providing a rich array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students search for areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is noted for its sizeable South Asian community, filled with various Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a lively district teeming with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These illustrate just a fraction of the numerous lively community neighbourhoods found throughout the city.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new home or simply discovering the city, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of London’s housing selections, delve into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary capital 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/)