**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Community**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not seem like an extensive period, it has offered me ample opportunities to discover some important insights about life in this lively city. London is not only varied in its accommodation selections but is also home to a multitude of communities. Students can find a broad spectrum of housing options, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can explore websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, check facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.

As I looked for a place to reside, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s major attractions, social spaces, and importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The superb public transport system—including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates traveling across these zones. However, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as inter-zonal transportation can cost up to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking the Tube or bus. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card greatly lowers commuting expenses for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the operating company.

Residing in Central London comes with a steep cost, but I was lucky to share university accommodation with a friend. We chose to share a room, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rental expenses. I also found intercollegiate student housing preferable as it offered the chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging with private rentals.

One of my main considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Prominent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget options are available through Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a substantial time-saver, particularly during busy intensives like exam periods.

Selecting the right neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form a vital component of the city’s cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of diverse districts. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a portion of the many community-rich neighborhoods that London presents.

Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London relies on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new home or merely exploring the city, embrace the diversity and fullness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.

*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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