**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 reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained some significant perspectives throughout my time here. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its extensive accommodation alternatives but also by the richness of its communities. For students, there is an abundance of options when it comes to housing. Whether you’re searching for student accommodations or private rentals, you’ll encounter choices that range from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
When I started my quest for a living space, my preference leaned towards a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and travel between the zones. Nevertheless, crossing between zones can become expensive, with daily travel costs possibly reaching up to £5.25. To cut down on transportation expenses, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. That being said, utilizing an Oyster card has made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the city center. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services is contingent on distance and the fare system employed by the train operator.
Residing in Central London affords the advantage of proximity to major attractions, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I decided on intercollegiate student accommodation, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a feat that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is a considerable time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant tapestry of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward regions that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, determining the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new residence in this incredible city, embrace the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill that London 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/)