**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and City Living**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has sufficiently equipped me with insights about this dynamic metropolis. London boasts an impressive diversity in both its cultural tapestry and available accommodations. Specifically for students, there exists a broad spectrum of options, ranging from student residences to private rentals. These choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively straightforward, while international students can depend on online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore properties, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.

As I commenced my quest for lodging, my attention was directed toward Central London. I aimed to be in proximity to the city’s primary attractions, social venues, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is subdivided into six interconnected zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transport network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across these zones. Nonetheless, I was determined to keep my travel expenses to a minimum, as traveling between zones can reach costs of up to £5.25 each day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. However, the options available with Oyster cards have rendered commuting more economical for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground system, covering areas beyond central London, with fare variations determined by distance and train operator.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I studied at the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent burden. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, anticipating the opportunity to connect with students from various backgrounds and age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging through private rentals.

A key consideration for me was the location of grocery stores. Notable supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living near essential shops like grocery stores and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, presenting a delightful array of neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the diverse communities that render London an exceptional place to call home.

In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. During your pursuit of a new abode in this city, embrace the rich variety of accommodation options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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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