**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve acquired some invaluable perspectives throughout my stay. London is an ever-evolving city, characterized not only by its extensive array of housing choices but also by the myriad of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of options available regarding accommodation. From student residences to private rentals, choices vary from ensuite and shared facilities to private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge distance to public transport.
When I commenced my search for accommodation, I was eager to find a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social venues, and, undoubtedly, the campus of Imperial College was important to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel throughout the zones. However, I was conscious of travel expenses, as moving between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or Tube. That being said, utilizing an Oyster card considerably lessens commuting expenses for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train operating authority.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near major landmarks, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to significantly cut down on rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with other students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that might have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, living within reach of grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widespread, while more budget-conscious alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in close proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a wealth of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its prominent South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End, serves as a vibrant center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of the vast array of culturally rich areas in London.
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London largely hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this city, relish the diversity and abundance of its accommodation prospects, delve into its cultural districts, and savor the convenience and thrill that London 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/)