**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Personal Insight**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to gather several important insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London displays a remarkable diversity not only in its accommodation types but also in the various communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of options available right at their feet, be it student housing or private residences. Choices are vast, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to research potential lodgings online, examine the facilities, and consider the ease of access to public transport.

During my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near prominent landmarks, social venues, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transportation network—comprising of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates smooth travel across zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can run up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. That being said, the Oyster card has significantly reduced the cost of commuting to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside of the Underground system, with fares fluctuating depending on distance and the fare structure specific to each train operator.

Residing in Central London offers benefits, but it also entails steeper living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend greatly alleviated our financial burden. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation since I wished to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and age groups—something that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of London’s most popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available as well. Being near vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic periods like exam seasons.

Determining the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London are a vital component of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, strategically located in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with activity, featuring Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate only a fraction of the myriad community-centric neighbourhoods in the city.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding a new home in this city, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement this remarkable city has in store.

*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/)*

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