**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Community**

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

Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity for me to grasp a few important insights about life in this lively city. London showcases a variety of accommodation choices, as well as diverse communities making it their home. Students specifically have numerous options available to them. Be it student residences or private living arrangements, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.

In my accommodation search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to be near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central areas. The city boasts an exceptional transport system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel across zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than use public transport. However, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university more economical. For those residing further out, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, though fares vary based on distance and train operators.

Residing in Central London has its benefits but also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, keen on connecting with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.

A key consideration for me was living close to grocery stores. Popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is immensely beneficial, especially during busy periods like exams.

Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are integral to the city’s cultural richness, offering a wide spectrum of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian demographic and boasts various Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These exemplify a fraction of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods throughout London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this exhilarating city, embrace its diverse accommodation options, delve into its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)

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