**Exploring Living Arrangements and Life in London: My Journey**

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

Recently, I celebrated the completion of nine months living in London. Though nine months might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has offered me ample time to gain insights into this bustling city. London is a lively metropolis, characterized not only by its varied accommodation choices but also by the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students have a multitude of housing options available nearby. Whether you’re in search of student housing or private rentals, you’ll discover a broad spectrum of options, from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students have the convenience of scheduling apartment viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore housing options online, review features, and evaluate the distance to public transport.

In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on renting a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city benefits from an exceptional public transport system, including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel costs since commuting between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. However, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the fare scheme of the respective train operator.

Residing in Central London certainly comes with a substantial price due to its closeness to major sites. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to connect with peers from different backgrounds around the same age—an opportunity that would have been more challenging in private housing.

Proximity to grocery stores was a significant factor for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies proves extremely beneficial, especially during exam periods when every moment counts.

Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students search for neighborhoods that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of the many multicultural communities that contribute to London’s diversity.

Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London will depend on your individual preferences and requirements. As you look for your new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation prospects, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and enjoy the ease and excitement that London has in store.

*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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