**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
* penned by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While that may initially seem brief, I’ve accumulated considerable insights throughout my time here. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its extensive housing alternatives but also due to the rich tapestry of its communities. For students, there is an abundance of accommodation options available, ranging from student dormitories to private apartments, providing amenities such as ensuite facilities, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up physical viewings, while those from abroad can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse housing solutions online, evaluate features, and determine their distance from public transit.
When I commenced my quest for a place to stay, my priority was finding a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key sights, leisure spots, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), along with buses and trains, facilitating simple travel. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as trips between zones can accrue charges of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter journeys instead of using the bus or Tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card choices have rendered commuting to school more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend resources beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these transit services differ according to distance and the specific pricing structures of the rail companies.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share accommodation, which significantly eased our rent burden. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to encounter peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that would be more challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my main considerations was the proximity to grocery stores. Some of the familiar supermarkets in London comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a great deal of time, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be somewhat daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, offering a vibrant mixture of diverse areas. Numerous international students prefer to reside in districts that evoke their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its significant South Asian population, filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown stands out as a bustling locale filled with Chinese dining options, retail, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods that London offers.
Ultimately, the optimal area to call home in London is contingent upon your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or simply traversing the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing possibilities, delve into its cultural hubs, and revel in the accessibility and thrill that this extraordinary city presents.
—
*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/)