**Finding Accommodation and Experiencing Life in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of living in London. While this duration might not appear lengthy, it has been sufficient for me to glean some important insights about life in this dynamic city. London not only offers a range of accommodation types but also boasts various communities that reside here. For students, particularly, there’s an extensive selection of living arrangements available, encompassing student housing and private rentals. These choices comprise ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can relatively easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can depend on online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential lodgings, evaluate available amenities, and determine access to public transport.
As I commenced my quest for a living space, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to be near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport system that includes the Underground (also known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement. Nevertheless, I aimed to reduce my commuting expenses since inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching regions outside central London. The fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific fare structure of the operating train service.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was studying at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room. This choice significantly reduced our rental costs. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and the same age bracket—a combination less likely to find in private housing.
The proximity to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living close to essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly beneficial, particularly during hectic times like exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London are a vital element of the city’s cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring an array of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Likewise, Chinatown, situated in the midst of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural showcases. These are just a few highlights among the many community-focused neighbourhoods the city has to offer.
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London will vary based on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or simply discovering the city, embrace the wide-ranging diversity and richness of London’s housing options, engage in its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city provides.
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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/)*