**Exploring London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not seem like a lengthy period, I have already gained substantial insights into life in this dynamic city. London is a lively and multifaceted metropolis, characterized not just by its accommodation types but also by the myriad of communities that inhabit it. For students, particularly, there is a broad selection of housing possibilities, whether they seek out student halls or private lodgings. The choices include ensuite rooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate accommodation options, evaluate amenities, and look into the availability of public transport nearby.
As I commenced my search for housing, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be nearby key sights, vibrant social spots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is arranged in six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transportation network, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel around. Nevertheless, I aimed to limit my travel expenses, as moving between zones can set one back as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university significantly more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure set by each train operator.
Residing in Central London inevitably comes with a steep cost, especially due to its closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that can be trickier to find in private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was crucial. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being within reach of essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke feelings of home. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian community, comprising numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the bustling West End, is a vibrant area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a snippet of the community-centric neighbourhoods throughout London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London truly depends on your individual preferences and requirements. While searching for a new place, take the opportunity to traverse the city’s varied housing options, engage with its cultural hubs, and relish the accessibility and excitement that London presents.
—
*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/)