**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Nine-Month Update**

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

Just a few days ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has definitely been sufficient to acquire some insights about this dynamic city. London boasts not only a variety of housing options but also a multitude of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an array of housing selections conveniently available. Whether you’re in the market for student accommodation or private housing, the choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange in-person viewings, while those from overseas can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to inspect potential homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.

In my personal quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room to rent in Central London. Proximity to significant attractions, social hotspots, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus was my priority. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The transportation network, which encompasses the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement within the city and across its zones. However, I sought to reduce my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. Nevertheless, the use of an Oyster card has made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond Central London, with fares differing based on distance and each train company’s fare structure.

Residing in Central London does come with financial implications, as the cost of living is considerably elevated due to its closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, I shared a room with a friend, which significantly helped reduce our rent expenses. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, which allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a mix that’s often harder to find in private rentals.

For me, being near grocery stores was a crucial factor. Among the prominent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is highly convenient, particularly during hectic periods like exams.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite a task. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to its cultural diversity, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a sizeable South Asian community, complete with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, bustles with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of the varied neighborhoods that render London a distinctive city.

In the end, the most suitable living situation in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or merely exploring the city, embrace the variety of London’s housing choices, dive into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.

*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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