**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not feel extensive, I’ve certainly gained plenty of insights throughout this time. London is a lively and energetic city, showcasing not only its varied housing selections but also the vibrant communities that inhabit it. Specifically, students have an abundance of living options available. Whether you’re interested in student accommodations or private rentals, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively simple, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transit.
When I started looking for a residence, I was eager to find a room in Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, social centers, 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 boasts a comprehensive transport network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement across zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can add up to £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card has made commuting to the university more economical. Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach far beyond the central zones, offering additional connectivity. The pricing for these services varies based on distance and the specific train company.
Residing in Central London grants the advantage of proximity to major landmarks; however, it does come with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent costs. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student accommodations since I wanted to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something harder to find in private housing.
A personal priority for me was being close to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily available. Being situated near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood for living can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing an exciting spectrum of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its substantial South Asian community, brimming with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, offers a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of the myriad community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this diverse city, take in the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, 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/)*