**Exploring London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Lifestyle**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though nine months may not appear extensive, it’s been sufficient to gain a few insightful lessons about life in this dynamic city. London showcases a rich diversity not only in culture and communities but also in housing choices. Students here are fortunate to have a plethora of options, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

When I initiated my quest for accommodation, my primary focus was securing a room in Central London. I sought to be near major landmarks, social scenes, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city offers an outstanding public transportation network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to curb my travel expenses, considering inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To save costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or Tube. That said, the Oyster card options have made commuting to uni more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas beyond the Underground, with fares varying based on distance and the respective fare structure of the train company.

Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had the opportunity to share a room with a friend, which greatly eased our rent burden. I decided on intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with other students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that might be more challenging to find in private housing.

A key consideration when selecting a living space for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-conscious choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also available. Living close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly helpful, especially during busy times like finals when every moment counts.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students search for connections to their home countries while in London. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its large South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, provides a bustling cluster of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples are merely a glimpse of the numerous community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.

In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your journey to find a new home in this vibrant metropolis, embrace the diversity and wealth of London’s accommodation options, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and enjoy the convenience and thrills 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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