**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the city during this timeframe. London is a lively urban center, not only due to its varied housing choices but also because of the myriad of communities that thrive here. For students, there are numerous accommodation avenues to explore. Whether you prefer student residences or private housing, options range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Local students can easily arrange viewings, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I commenced my hunt for a place to stay, I was determined to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key landmarks, social centers, and, notably, the Imperial College campus was a priority. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transportation system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates movement across the area. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as commuting between zones might set one back as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Fortunately, Oyster card offerings have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London’s Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London does indeed come with a significant cost, as it hosts many of the city’s prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery shops was essential. Some of the most widely frequented supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London form a crucial part of the city’s cultural identity, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the bustling West End is a vibrant hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are just a handful of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal tastes and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this vibrant city, immerse yourself in the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy London has to offer.
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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/)