**Exploring Living Arrangements and Experiences in London: A Personal Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of my time in London. Though nine months might not appear overly extensive, it has provided me with invaluable insights about residing in this vibrant city. London is a locale that flourishes due to its diversity—not only regarding its inhabitants, but also in the extensive array of housing alternatives. Whether you are a student or a professional, the city presents a broad spectrum of living arrangements, from student accommodations to private rentals. You can opt for ensuite or shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, or even house shares. For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is generally uncomplicated, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online, review amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I was especially eager to secure a room in Central London. Being near the city’s key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and of course, the Imperial College campus was important to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the heart of the city. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel among these zones. Nonetheless, commuting expenses can accumulate quickly, particularly when navigating between various zones. For example, travelling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than consistently relying on public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has made commuting more budget-friendly for students, and services like the London Overground and National Rail venture beyond the central zones, permitting broader access. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the fare structure of individual train companies.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably alleviated our rent burden. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was eager to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and ages—a blend that can be more difficult to find in private rentals.
One key factor in selecting a place to live was its nearness to grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is exceptionally advantageous, particularly during hectic periods like exams when time is critical.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting, considering London’s extensive scope and diversity. The city accommodates a multitude of ethnic communities, each contributing to its rich cultural landscape. Many international students are drawn to locations that present a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London is noted for its substantial South Asian community, offering numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene, while Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End bustles with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods London has to offer.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are searching for a new place to call home or simply wandering through the city, London’s diverse housing choices and cultural districts present a distinctive and exhilarating living experience. Embrace the richness of this extraordinary city and savor everything it has to provide.
—
*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/)*