**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Just a few days ago, I reached my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve gathered quite an insight throughout this timeframe. London is a vibrant metropolis, boasting an extensive range of housing options alongside its diverse communities. Students here are presented with a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Whether you seek student accommodation or private rentals, a variety of choices are available, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is usually a simple process, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.

In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social venues, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The transportation system in the city is outstanding, with the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy movement within and between zones. Personally, I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips could reach £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than use the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have made traveling to university significantly more cost-effective. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. The fares for these services vary based on distance and the specific fare structures of each train operator.

Residing in Central London comes with benefits but also implies elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to meet fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that might have been more challenging in private housing.

For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Proximity to essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.

Determining the right neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging decision. The ethnic communities of London are a vital component of its cultural framework, showcasing a rich spectrum of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London features a large South Asian community, replete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of London’s diverse neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal needs and preferences. As you embark on your search for a new residence in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to present.

*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/)

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