**Exploring London: My Journey with Living Arrangements and Urban Life**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While it might not seem lengthy, this time has been quite enlightening for me. London is a vibrant and multifaceted metropolis, not just in its accommodation choices but also in the array of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is a wide array of housing options available, including student-specific accommodations and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange in-person apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties digitally, evaluate amenities, and determine the accessibility to public transport.
When I initiated my search for suitable lodging, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to reside near key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The city features an exceptional public transport network, encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. As inter-zonal travel can be as high as £5.25 each day, I decided to walk shorter distances to minimize transport expenses. However, utilizing an Oyster card can greatly alleviate commuting costs for students. London Overground and National Rail services also reach beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside the central hub. Ticket prices for these options depend on the distance traveled and the fare system of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to considerably lower our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation with the hope of connecting with other students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something more challenging to achieve in private housing.
One of my key considerations while selecting a residence was the distance to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a major time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Determining the right neighborhood to settle in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in this city, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of London’s accommodation options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this incredible city has to offer.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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/)