**Exploring London: My Journey with Living Arrangements in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although that may not appear to be a lengthy period, I’ve gained several insightful experiences along the way. London is a vibrant city, showcasing not only an extensive range of housing options but also its rich mix of communities. Students, especially, have an abundance of choices available to them. Whether it’s student accommodations or private lodgings, the variety includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while those coming from abroad can take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
As I embarked on my quest for a place to settle, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be nearby the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London consists of six concentric zones, with the most central ones being zones one and two. The city’s remarkable public transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across various zones. Nevertheless, I was intent on minimizing travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying solely on public transport. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. The fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific pricing structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which considerably alleviated our rental costs. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student accommodations since I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and around the same age—something that would have been less achievable in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. The most common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those seeking more economical choices, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent alternatives. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during hectic times such as exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke familiarity from home. For instance, Southall in West London is well-known for its large South Asian population, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the many community-centric neighborhoods within the city.
In the end, the most suitable area to call home in London relies on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for your next residence in this energetic metropolis, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city offers.
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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/)