**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Living in the Capital**

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

Just a few days back, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might not seem extensive, it has provided me with valuable insights into life within this lively city. London presents a remarkable array of accommodation choices and a variety of communities that inhabit it. For students, there are numerous housing alternatives to consider, ranging from student halls to private rentals, featuring options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared housing. While local students can easily arrange in-person viewings for apartments, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to check out potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.

In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to stay near the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport network, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across various zones. However, I sought to minimize my transport expenses, as traveling between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I opted for walking short distances instead of using public transport. Nevertheless, employing an Oyster card can significantly lower commuting expenses for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube system, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the specific train company’s fare structure.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings elevated living costs. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend who is also pursuing university studies, which allowed us to substantially reduce our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that may be harder to discover in private rentals.

One of my main considerations when selecting a place to stay was its closeness to grocery stores. Some of the well-known supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Residing near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be quite overwhelming. London’s immense cultural diversity is showcased through its numerous ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. Many international students look for neighbourhoods that evoke feelings of home. For example, Southall in West London features a sizable South Asian community, complete with a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of the West End, bustles with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few instances of the culturally rich areas in London.

In the end, the best neighbourhood to reside in London ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are on the lookout for a new residence or just beginning to explore the city, welcome the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its cultural hubs, 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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