**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Living in the City**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although that may not seem extensive, I’ve gained some important perspectives during my time here. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its extensive selection of housing but also by the variety of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, have an abundance of housing options available to them. There are both student-oriented accommodations and private rentals that provide numerous choices, such as ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, scheduling viewings is a simple process, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to research properties online, check amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transportation.

When I initiated my search for a place to stay, my focus was on finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The transportation system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel. Nevertheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To reduce costs, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. However, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The pricing for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on the distance and the fare structure of the particular train operator.

Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also comes with increased living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.

One of my key considerations was living within proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proves to be incredibly handy, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a wealth of neighbourhoods to explore. Many international students seek out areas that offer a sense of familiarity. For example, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian presence, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the diverse community-rich neighbourhoods that the city has to offer.

In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal desires and requirements. As you seek a new home in this city, take the time to embrace the variety of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city presents.

*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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