**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Living in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may appear brief, it has provided me with ample insights into life within this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its extensive range of accommodation possibilities but also for its rich and varied communities. Specifically for students, there are numerous options available, from student residences to private rentals, catering to all preferences, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate their potential homes online, examine available amenities, and determine the convenience of public transport links.
When I embarked on my accommodation search, my primary focus was to locate a room to rent in Central London. I aimed to be situated near the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city boasts a superb public transport network—featuring the Underground (or “Tube”), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel among these zones. However, I wished to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can incur charges of up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I opted for short walks instead of utilizing public transport. Nevertheless, Oyster cards present reduced travel fares, particularly for university trips. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. The expense for inter-zone travel on these services is contingent on the distance and fare policies of each train service provider.
Residing in Central London provides several advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I desired the chance to connect with other students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that is often more challenging to find with private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Among the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Being close to vital stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke feelings of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, offering a plethora of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few of the many community-centric neighborhoods found throughout London.
In the end, the optimal living area in London hinges on individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home within this lively city, take the opportunity to appreciate the variety and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into its cultural spaces, and relish the convenience and thrill that London 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/)*