**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 mark of my stay in London. While this may seem like a short duration, it has given me ample opportunity to discover various aspects of this dynamic city. London offers an impressive range of accommodation styles and is home to a myriad of communities. The choices for students are particularly extensive, encompassing everything from student residences to private rentals. Options abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively simple, whereas international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse possible living arrangements online, explore facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.
When I was searching for my own accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to reside near the city’s iconic landmarks, social hotspots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the “tube”), buses, and trains—that allows for easy navigation between zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can add up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card scheme has made it easier to commute affordably to my university. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond Central London, with fares dependent on distance and the specific fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rent burden. I opted for intercollegiate student residences, as I was eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and a similar age—something more challenging to find in private accommodations.
For me, being close to grocery stores was a key consideration. Prominent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is extremely convenient, especially during hectic periods like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood is a challenging choice. The ethnic communities of London form a crucial part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population and boasts numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the eclectic neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s charm.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in hinges on your individual preferences and needs. As you embark on your search for a new home in London, take the time to appreciate the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city promises.
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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/)*