**Reflections on Housing and Life in London After Nine Months**
*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 not appear to be a lengthy period, I’ve gathered some significant perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant and varied city, not only regarding housing options but also in the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students, especially, enjoy an abundance of choices when it comes to their living arrangements. Whether opting for student housing or private rentals, a multitude of options exists, including ensuite and shared facilities, private and shared accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students find it easy to schedule apartment viewings, while those from abroad can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to research their prospective homes online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major sights, entertainment spots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College was important to me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport network, encompassing the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, allowing for convenient travel between various zones. I specifically wanted to keep my travel expenses low since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 a day. I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. However, having an Oyster card has significantly decreased my university commuting costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London, with fares differing based on distance and individual train operator fare structures.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, yet it also entails increased living expenses due to the closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to cut down considerably on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations with hopes of connecting with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Some popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while options that lean towards budget-friendliness are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a great time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam weeks.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can prove to be a challenge. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural makeup, creating a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity within this expansive city. For example, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. South London’s Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous community-driven neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal neighbourhood to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home within this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing alternatives, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the conveniences 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/)