**Experiencing Student Life and Housing in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunities to acquire several important insights about living in this dynamic city. London is exceptionally diverse, not only in its accommodation choices but also in the various communities that inhabit it. Specifically, students have a broad spectrum of housing options, ranging from student dormitories to private leases. The available options include ensuite with shared bathrooms, private rooms, studios, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple, while international students can leverage platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse available housing, inspect amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest for a suitable place, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s key landmarks, social venues, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones 1 and 2 considered the heart of London. Thanks to the efficient transport system, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, moving around and traveling between zones is convenient. However, I sought to minimize my travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently walked short distances rather than relying on the bus or Tube. Luckily, the Oyster card system provides students with reduced fares, making daily commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the central zone. The cost of these services varies based on distance traveled and the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to key attractions but comes with increased living costs. To control my expenses, I chose to share a room with a friend, significantly cutting our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been harder to achieve in private rentals.
Another crucial element for me was the nearness of grocery stores. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide economical alternatives. Living close to essential services like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly helpful, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can seem daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an essential component of the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a plethora of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students seek out areas that resonate with their cultural backgrounds. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, nestled in the West End, showcases a diverse array of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a fraction of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in the hunt for a new residence or just settling in, take advantage of the diversity and wealth of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)