**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Living in the City**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not seem like an extensive period, I have gained significant insights throughout my time here. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not just by its various housing options but also by the rich tapestry of communities that reside within it. Students, in particular, enjoy a multitude of housing alternatives readily available. From student accommodations to private leases, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate homes online, compare features, and assess their distance to public transport.
When I commenced my search for a living space, my emphasis was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s main attractions, social areas, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—making it effortless to navigate between zones. However, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than use the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card provides reduced travel fares, helping to make commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail go beyond the Underground network, serving regions outside Central London. Prices for these services can vary based on the distance and the specific train service provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was able to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled at university, allowing us to save significantly on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation because I wanted to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been more challenging in private housing.
One of my main concerns was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be incredibly time-efficient, particularly when managing errands during exam time.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a challenging task. The various ethnic communities within the city are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a wide array of neighborhoods to investigate. Many international students prefer areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian population, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of the countless community-centric neighborhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the finest place to reside in London is contingent upon your individual interests and preferences. As you embark on the journey of finding a home in this lively city, fully appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing selections, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to provide.
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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/)