**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might appear brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not just in terms of its extensive housing options but also because of the variety of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, are presented with numerous choices. Whether your preference is for student accommodation or private rentals, you can discover a range of options including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For students living locally, scheduling apartment viewings is a breeze, while those from overseas can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings, examine amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
As I commenced my quest for a place to stay, my attention was directed towards securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College were my primary concerns. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city boasts an extensive public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses minimal, as journeys between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize the Tube or buses. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university significantly more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the city center. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare structures of individual train companies.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages, but it also entails steeper living expenses due to its closeness to key attractions. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I decided on intercollegiate student accommodation, as it allowed me to connect with fellow students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that might have been more challenging in private housing.
One key consideration for me was having grocery stores nearby. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like groceries and pharmacies offers a significant time advantage, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students are drawn to areas that offer a sense of familiarity. For example, Southall, situated in West London, is renowned for its large South Asian community and boasts numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a lively district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few instances of the numerous community-centric neighborhoods throughout London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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/)