**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Life in the City**
*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 appear brief, I’ve gained some significant perspectives throughout my time here. London is a vibrant and varied city, not only in terms of its accommodation possibilities but also regarding the different communities that inhabit it. Students have a plethora of housing options available to them. Whether you are considering student residences or private rentals, there are numerous selections, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling viewings is generally easy, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my search for a residence, I aimed for accommodation in Central London. I wished to be near the city’s primary attractions, social venues, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city has an outstanding public transport network, featuring the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing and moving between zones effortless. Personally, I wanted to avoid excessive travel costs, as inter-zone trips can reach up to £5.25 daily. To save funds, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of hopping on a bus or Tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, accessing outer zones. The cost for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the fare system of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly helped us reduce our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging with private leases.
For me, living close to supermarkets was essential. Some of the most popular grocery stores in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a true time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be a difficult choice. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial element of the city’s cultural fabric, showcasing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. As an illustration, Southall in West London hosts a considerable South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling locale packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of the many community-centric neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London relies on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new home in this city, take the time to explore the multitude of accommodation choices, immerse yourself in the cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
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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/)