**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be a significant time frame, I have gained a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is a remarkably dynamic city, renowned not only for its wide-ranging accommodation choices but also for the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, there are plentiful housing alternatives available. Whether in search of student residences or private lodgings, one can discover various options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check potential accommodations online, review available facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
When I initiated my quest for a living space, I was intent on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and notably, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transport network, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement across these zones. However, I aimed to reduce my travel costs, as traveling between zones can reach as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or Tube. That being said, employing an Oyster card for university commutes has considerably lowered my travel expenditures. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, providing coverage to areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London presents the advantage of proximity to major attractions, yet it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to save notably on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because I was eager to connect with students from various backgrounds who were approximately my age—a mix that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
For me, living in close proximity to grocery shops was a top concern. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly handy, particularly during hectic times like exam periods when every moment counts.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of the city’s cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community and is dotted with various Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous community-oriented neighbourhoods in London.
In conclusion, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual interests and requirements. While on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation possibilities, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)