**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge during this time. London is a lively and energetic city, not just owing to its extensive range of housing options but also because of the varied communities that reside within it. For students, the city provides a plethora of accommodation alternatives, spanning from student dormitories to private living spaces, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange face-to-face apartment viewings, whereas international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse their prospective homes online, evaluate available amenities, and consider distance to public transport.
When I embarked on my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transit system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between various zones. That said, I aimed to keep my travel expenditures low since traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university much more cost-effective. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground network, connecting areas that lie outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the respective train operating company.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with higher living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, I was studying alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be trickier to come by in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prominent supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time, particularly during busy periods like exam time.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in is a challenging task. The ethnic communities in London are a significant aspect of the city’s cultural fabric, providing a vibrant mix of different neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is known for its large South Asian population, featuring abundant Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many lively community neighbourhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in this remarkable city, celebrate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)