**Experiencing 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. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with valuable insights into life in this dynamic city. London boasts an impressive variety of accommodation types, as well as the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students especially have numerous housing options available to them. Whether you seek student housing or private rentals, choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person apartment viewings, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, review the amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my own pursuit of a living space, I concentrated on finding a room for rent in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus was a priority for me. London is organized into six overlapping zones, with the first two zones being the most centrally located. The city’s outstanding public transport network—featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel costs low, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or the tube. However, the options available with the Oyster card have made getting to university significantly more budget-friendly. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond the Underground system, covering locations outside of central London. The cost for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the specific fare policies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails increased living costs. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, substantially lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with other students from various backgrounds and of similar ages—an opportunity that might be harder to find in private rentals.
For me, accessibility to grocery stores was a crucial factor. Some of the most widely frequented supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant timesaver, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Determining the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be quite challenging. London’s cultural richness is mirrored in its neighborhoods, each presenting a distinct experience. Many international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, offering various Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional boutique shops. Brixton, in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant enclave abundant with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of the culturally vibrant neighborhoods that London has to offer.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new home in this lively city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London brings.
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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/)*