**Experiencing Accommodation and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might seem brief, it has provided me with several essential insights about living in this bustling metropolis. London is recognized not only for its myriad housing choices but also for the various communities that thrive within it. Students, in particular, benefit from an abundance of housing options. Whether you seek student-specific residence or private lodgings, you can find everything from ensuite rooms and co-living spaces to studio apartments and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore potential living arrangements online, assess amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
When I embarked on my quest for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s primary attractions, social hotspots, and, most critically, the Imperial College campus, was essential to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transport network, which includes the Underground (known as the Tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation across these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. However, the Oyster card system has made my university commutes more budget-friendly. In addition, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the particular train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, considerably lowering our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with fellow students from various cultures and similar age groups—something that might have been more difficult to attain through private rentals.
One of my key priorities was being near grocery stores. Prominent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies proves incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a daunting choice. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in the city’s cultural framework, offering a diverse array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring countless Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Centrally located in the West End, Chinatown presents a lively hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a fraction of the rich neighbourhoods that constitute London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this lively city, embrace the diversity of its housing possibilities, delve into its rich cultural communities, and relish the convenience and excitement that London presents.
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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/)