**Exploring London: Insights from a Student on Living and Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it has afforded me ample opportunities to absorb various aspects of this dynamic city. London boasts not just a range of accommodation types but also the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students here can choose from numerous living arrangements available at their fingertips. From student housing to private residences, the selections include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly straightforward, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties digitally, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance from public transit.
In my search for accommodations, I was particularly interested in securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s prime attractions, social venues, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s public transport system is outstanding, with the Underground (tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy movement. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as travelling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. That said, leveraging an Oyster card can dramatically lower commuting costs for students heading to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground framework, encompassing areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the fare policies of individual train companies.
However, residing in Central London presents its own challenges, primarily the steep cost of living. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I also preferred intercollegiate student housing because I was enthusiastic about connecting with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups—something that might have proven difficult in private accommodations.
For me, the proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a considerable time benefit, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, offering an array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is widely recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the bustling West End, is a lively district filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples reflect just a fraction of the diverse communities contributing to London’s uniqueness as a residential hub.
Ultimately, the ideal living area in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your housing hunt in this city, celebrate the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into the various cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)