**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive period, I’ve gained some key perspectives throughout my time here. London is an ever-evolving city, not only regarding its diverse accommodation possibilities but also due to the myriad communities that reside within it. Students have particularly a vast array of options at their disposal. Whether you’re searching for student residences or private lodgings, there are numerous choices available, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For students living in the area, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate how close the locations are to public transport.
When I commenced my housing hunt, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aspired to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six expanding zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts a remarkable public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. However, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the specific train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to prominent attractions. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially reduced our rental expenses. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student housing, as I sought to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and my age group—a mix that would have been more challenging to achieve in private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a key consideration. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time when running errands, which is particularly beneficial during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be quite overwhelming. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant selection of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic area abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few of the many distinct neighbourhoods that contribute to making London such a remarkable location to live.
In the end, the optimal area for residing in London is contingent on your individual interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this metropolis, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, investigate its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)*