**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of living in London. While it might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has granted me sufficient time to absorb various aspects of this lively metropolis. London is an ever-evolving city, notable not only for its wide range of housing opportunities but also for the varied communities that inhabit it. In particular, students have an abundance of accommodation options readily available. Whether in search of student housing or private lodgings, choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively straightforward, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, examine amenities, and gauge accessibility to public transit.
When I embarked on my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s main attractions, social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s expansive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. However, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, given that inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card provides discounted travel for students, thereby making the commute to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Tube network, serving areas outside of central London, with fares varying based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London presents advantages but also comes with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding living expenses. Rent in these regions can be quite high, but I was lucky to attend university with a friend. We decided to share accommodations, which substantially lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I was keen on meeting students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that’s often less accessible in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was another significant consideration for me. Some of the most common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to essential shops like these, alongside pharmacies, significantly streamlines tasks, especially during hectic times such as exam seasons.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can indeed be a challenging task. London’s cultural communities are vital to the city’s identity, presenting a rich variety of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to seek out areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community and is replete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These illustrate just a snippet of the myriad diverse communities that render London an exceptional place to reside.
Ultimately, the ideal area in London varies based on individual interests and requirements. When scouting for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London is known for.
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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/)