**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Personal Experience**

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

Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though this might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge throughout this time. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, showcased not only through its housing choices but also in the various communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there exists a wealth of options. From student residences to private lodgings, the choices range from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students find it simple to schedule apartment viewings, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential living arrangements online, evaluate amenities, and gauge the distance to public transport.

As I initiated my search for a residence, my primary focus was on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s transport system is outstanding, with options like the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains readily facilitating movement between zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can ring up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced my commute costs to university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the hub of Central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.

Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also leads to escalated living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, effectively cutting our rent significantly. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was eager to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that might have been harder to achieve in private accommodations.

For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Prominent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, but there are also budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Deciding on the appropriate neighborhood can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a fundamental component of its cultural setting, providing a rich array of neighborhoods to uncover. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiar environments upon their arrival in London. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring an array of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale teeming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many varied communities that contribute to London’s unique tapestry.

Ultimately, the most suitable area for residing in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new home or simply looking to uncover the city, appreciate the diversity and depth of London’s accommodation possibilities, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city provides.

*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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