**Exploring London: My Journey with Lodging and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights about this vibrant city. London is celebrated not just for its wide array of housing options but also for the lively communities that inhabit it. Especially for students, a multitude of selections is available. From student residences to private lodgings, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared spaces, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, whereas international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes online, review amenities, and examine proximity to public transport.
In my own quest for accommodation, my focus was to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, popular social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient transportation system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I preferred walking shorter distances over taking the bus or Tube. However, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London provides its advantages, but it also comes with increased living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share accommodation, which resulted in substantial savings on rent. I also leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been tougher to achieve in private lodgings.
A personal key focus for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exam times.
Finding the ideal neighborhood to settle in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for locales that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-centric neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on your quest for a new home in this city, embrace the rich diversity and variety of its housing choices, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
—
*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/)