**Exploring Living Options in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, it’s been ample time for me to uncover much about this vibrant city. London is a lively urban center, teeming with varied housing alternatives and thriving communities. For students, housing options abound, ranging from accommodations designed for students to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a home, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy travel between zones. However, I aimed to keep my transport costs low, as inter-zonal travel fees can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting costs to the university. Besides the Tube, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach regions beyond central London, although fares for these services differ depending on distance and the rail operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly cut down our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations since I aimed to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that could have been less achievable with private rentals.
A major consideration for me was living near grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly handy, especially during hectic times like exam seasons when every minute counts.
Finding the right neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic groups are integral to its cultural identity, showcasing a wide array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the solace of familiar environments in this expansive city. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, replete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, bursts with Chinese restaurants, retail outlets, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a glimpse into the many unique neighborhoods that render London such an extraordinary place to call home.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the cultural diversity of various neighborhoods or the ease of access to public transport and necessary amenities, London provides a plethora of accommodation alternatives to cater to all lifestyles. Celebrate the diversity, delve into the cultural enclaves of the city, and maximize your experience in this remarkable metropolis.
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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/)