**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the completion of nine months in London. Though this duration might appear brief, it has provided me with valuable insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is characterized not just by its cultural and community diversity but also by its extensive selection of housing options. For students, there’s an abundance of alternatives—ranging from student residences to private rentals, you can choose from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transit.
Throughout my search for residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My intention was to remain near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as commuting between zones can accrue costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly made my university commuting more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, catering to regions outside central London. The fares for these services depend on the distance traveled and the individual fare structures of each train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages but comes with increased living expenses. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to share a room with a friend, which greatly reduced our rent burden. I chose intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with diverse peers of similar age—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Another priority for me was being near grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, particularly while balancing assignments or studying for exams.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s multicultural communities are a vital aspect of its cultural fabric, offering an intriguing array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizeable South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous culturally enriched neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new place to stay or simply journeying through the city, embrace the variety of London’s housing options, uncover its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city 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/)