**Exploring London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Lifestyle**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although it might not qualify as a long duration, I’ve gained considerable knowledge during this time. London is a vibrant and multifaceted metropolis, characterized not only by its accommodation variety but also by its eclectic communities. Students have a plethora of housing choices, from student halls to private rentals. Options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom for online accommodation exploration, to review available amenities, and evaluate public transport accessibility.

During my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social venues, and naturally, the campus of Imperial College was essential. The city is split into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding public transportation network—including the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates movement between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. On the plus side, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London, with fares varying based on distance and the fare structure of each operator.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living costs due to its closeness to prominent attractions. Luckily, I was sharing accommodations with a friend from university, which considerably lowered our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more difficult through private rentals.

Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Some of the most familiar grocery chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a great deal of time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The diverse ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its extensive South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is home to a vast selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These highlight the many community-centric neighbourhoods present in London.

In the end, the ideal area to reside in London will hinge on your individual preferences and requirements. As you venture into finding a new place in this remarkable city, embrace the diversity of its housing opportunities, delve into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.

*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/)

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