**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Student’s Insight**

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

Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might seem short, I’ve acquired several important lessons during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not just because of its extensive selection of accommodation options but also due to the rich tapestry of communities that reside here. Students are truly fortunate with their housing choices, which range from university-provided accommodations to private rentals. These options feature ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite easy, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to navigate properties online, evaluate amenities, and assess the distance to public transport.

In my hunt for accommodations, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key landmarks, popular social venues, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus was a priority for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s superb public transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across these zones. Nevertheless, I looked to reduce my travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has streamlined my commuting costs to the university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, serving areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare policies of the respective train companies.

Residing in Central London brings its advantages, yet it also results in elevated living expenses due to the close vicinity to major attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably lessened our rental burden. I chose intercollegiate student housing, with the aim of engaging with other students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something more challenging to accomplish in private housing.

Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities form a critical aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students often seek solace by moving towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a lively locale filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These examples reflect just a fraction of the diverse neighborhoods that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.

In the end, the optimal area to reside in London varies based on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are in pursuit of a new living space or simply discovering the city, celebrate the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation offerings, immerse yourself in its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has in store.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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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