**Exploring London: A Student’s Insights on Housing and Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my ninth month in London. Though this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to grasp a number of aspects about this lively metropolis. London boasts a rich array of accommodation choices alongside its diverse communities. Students are privileged with an abundance of housing options available right at their fingertips. Whether seeking student residences or private rentals, one can find an extensive range of alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.
During my personal quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room for rent in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, undoubtedly, Imperial College’s campus was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport network, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and movement between zones. Yet, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. As a result, I opted for walking shorter distances rather than depending on buses or the Tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card can significantly lower commuting costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground coverage, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near key attractions, yet it also brings higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to considerably reduce our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, wishing to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and of similar ages—something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most prominent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, especially during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the right neighborhood is a challenging endeavor. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students look for neighborhoods that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a thriving South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the bustling West End is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few examples among the myriad diverse communities that contribute to London’s richness.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding a new home in this city, embrace the wide-ranging accommodation options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and revel in 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/)*