**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While that might not appear to be an extensive period, it has afforded me the opportunity to gather several important insights about this lively city. London boasts a rich variety of accommodation options and encompasses many communities that make it their home. Students find themselves with numerous housing alternatives available. Whether seeking student residences or private rentals, potential living arrangements include ensuite bathrooms, shared facilities, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Booking apartment viewings is fairly uncomplicated for home students, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse available lodgings online, evaluate offered amenities, and determine accessibility to public transportation.
At the outset of my search for housing, I was enthusiastic about securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social scenes, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College was a priority for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The public transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel throughout these zones. Nevertheless, I was mindful of travel expenses, as costs for moving between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. To minimize expenditures, I chose to walk shorter routes rather than depend on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card has significantly lowered the cost of commuting to uni. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zone. The ticket prices for these services are contingent upon the distance traveled and each train operator’s fare system.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred living in intercollegiate student housing, as it facilitated interactions with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that can be more challenging with private accommodations.
For my living situation, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Notable supermarkets found throughout London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key establishments like grocery stores and pharmacies proves to be a significant time advantage, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s diverse ethnic communities form an essential aspect of its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for locations that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its vibrant South Asian community, populated with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few instances of the many community-focused neighborhoods within London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. As you seek a new residence in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to appreciate the variety of accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.
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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/)