**Exploring London: My Journey through Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it’s afforded me valuable insights into this vibrant city. London is a thriving hub, characterized not only by a wide array of housing choices but also by its lively communities. Students, particularly, have a wealth of options available for accommodations. From student halls to private leases, the choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, whilst international students often rely on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse listings online, compare amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My intention was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, notably, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 considered the most central. London’s stellar public transport system—which consists of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to lower my travel expenses, as moving between zones can set one back as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I leaned towards walking shorter distances rather than fully depending on public transport. That being said, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university much more affordable. For those venturing outside the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach outer zones, with fares differing based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has the advantage of proximity to major landmarks but does indeed come with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I personally favored intercollegiate student accommodations because they provided opportunities to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a mixture that’s less common in private rentals.
A priority for me was being close to grocery stores. Common supermarkets in London comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, offering an array of neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate toward areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the West End, is a bustling enclave teeming with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These examples merely scratch the surface of the diverse neighbourhoods that London has to offer.
In the end, the ideal area to call home in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place to stay or just exploring the city, cherish the variety and richness of London’s housing options. Take the opportunity to delve into its cultural pockets and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)