**Exploring London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this duration may not appear particularly lengthy, I’ve already gained considerable knowledge about the city. London is a lively hub, not only because of its varied housing alternatives but also due to the dynamic communities that inhabit it. For students, there’s an abundance of accommodation options, be it dedicated student residences or private rentals. Choices span from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near major landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six layered zones, with the most central being Zones 1 and 2. The public transportation system in the city, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel across zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of taking public transport. However, employing an Oyster card can greatly lower travel expenses for students traveling to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside inner London. Fares for these services differ based on the distance and the specific fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of being near prominent landmarks, yet it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. London boasts several common supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies can save significant time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can prove to be daunting. The city’s multicultural communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, offering an abundance of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas that resonate with their roots. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples barely scratch the surface of the diverse neighbourhoods London presents.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new residence or simply wandering through the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, uncover its cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city offers.
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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/)