**Exploring Life and Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it might not seem extensive, I’ve gained significant insights into this vibrant city. London serves as a cultural hub, presenting a plethora of housing choices along with a lively array of communities. For students, options abound—whether you’re in search of student accommodation or private housing, you can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students find it easy to arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually navigate potential homes, evaluate facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s key landmarks, popular gathering spots, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is split into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating movement across these zones. However, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can run up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to traverse shorter distances on foot rather than using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card has greatly cut down on my commuting costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance traveled and the fare structure of each train company.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which helped us significantly with our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as I sought to interact with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ages—something more challenging to achieve with private rentals.
A key factor for me was being close to supermarkets. Popular grocery stores in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be a great time-saver, particularly when balancing exams and other commitments.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich diversity of areas. Many international students are drawn to neighborhoods that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, hosting a variety of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End, is teeming with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These highlight just a few of the numerous community-oriented neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re hunting for a new residence or merely wishing to immerse yourself in the city, take advantage of the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)