**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Life**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, it has provided me ample opportunity to gain insights into life in this dynamic metropolis. London is celebrated for its diversity—not just in its populace and cultures, but also the extensive variety of housing options available to students. Regardless of whether you’re in search of student accommodations or private housing, there are numerous possibilities, including rooms with ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, checking out amenities and transport connections.
When I commenced my quest for a living arrangement, I prioritized securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near major attractions, vibrant locales, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s robust public transport network—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To reduce costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of heavily relying on public transportation. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has helped make commuting to university much more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London comes with a steep cost, yet I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which significantly alleviated our rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I wished to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Another crucial aspect for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living close to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is exceptionally convenient, particularly during hectic exam seasons when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, known for Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End, serves as a hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a handful of the diverse communities that make London such a distinctive place to dwell.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for a place to call home in this amazing city, take the time to appreciate its diversity, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the conveniences and excitement that London offers.
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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/)