**Exploring Life and Housing in London: A Student’s Viewpoint**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month journey living in London. While this duration might appear brief, I’ve garnered some significant insights along the way. London is an ever-evolving and multifaceted metropolis, reflected not only in its accommodation options but also in the lively communities that inhabit it. Students, specifically, enjoy a broad range of housing selections. From student residences to private leases, the options vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and communal living spaces. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international scholars can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential lodging online, review available facilities, and evaluate the accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I was particularly interested in securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College was a priority for me. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city has an excellent public transport network, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. My personal goal was to minimize travel costs, given that inter-zonal commutes can reach up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has significantly made my commutes to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending their coverage outside of central London. Fares for these services differ based on the distance and the unique fare policies of each train company.
Residing in Central London undoubtedly has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to key attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which remarkably lowered our rental costs. I also chose intercollegiate student accommodations since I was eager to meet individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that would have been challenging to find in private leases.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more economical choices comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time, particularly in hectic times like exams.
Selecting the right neighborhood to call home can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are intricately integrated into the city’s cultural essence, yielding a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate toward familiar environments within this extensive city. For example, Southall in West London boasts a thriving South Asian community, replete with various Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located within the bustling West End, serves as a lively center of Chinese dining, retail, and cultural happenings. These illustrate just a fraction of the diverse community neighborhoods that London has in store.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing landscape, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city presents.
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*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/)