**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not seem like an extensive period, I have gained a wealth of knowledge throughout my time here. London is an ever-changing and multicultural city, reflected not only in its housing possibilities but also in the various communities that inhabit it. Students, especially, have an abundance of choices when it comes to accommodation. From student residences to private lodgings, a range of options is available, including ensuite bathrooms, suites, shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, examine the facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.
As I embarked on my quest for housing, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My main goal was to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transport infrastructure, which includes the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter routes instead of relying on public transit. However, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting costs for students. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London, though ticket prices for these services vary with distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to cohabit, which greatly eased our rent burden. I preferred living in intercollegiate student accommodations, seeking to connect with other students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that might have been more difficult with private rentals.
One of my main considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also available. Being near essential services like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly practical, especially during hectic periods such as exam time when every minute counts.
Finding the perfect neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a significant role in its cultural landscape, offering a rich array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few of the many distinctive neighborhoods that contribute to London’s unique living experience.
In the end, the ideal location to reside in London is a matter of personal choice and requirements. As you seek a new home in this city, take the opportunity to delve into the variety of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)