**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey with Housing and Essential Living Needs**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not seem particularly lengthy, it has provided me with valuable insights into living in this dynamic city. London boasts a rich cultural and demographic diversity, alongside a wide array of housing options. Whether you are a student or a working professional, there’s an option suitable for everyone. From student accommodations to private rentals, you can discover everything from ensuite rooms and studio apartments to shared flats and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling viewings is easy, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to consider potential places, evaluate amenities, and examine proximity to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London. My objective was to be near key attractions, social centers, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport system, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement between these zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel costs low, as traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. To save on expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card provides discounted fares for students, helping make commuting more budget-friendly. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also brings increased living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolled at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. Personally, I preferred intercollegiate housing as it allowed me to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been harder to attain in private rentals.
Another important aspect for me was being located near grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is extremely beneficial, especially during hectic periods like exam seasons where every minute matters.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. The rich cultural diversity of London is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each adding to the distinct personality of the city. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a thriving South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, the West End’s Chinatown bustles with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous community-focused neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and necessities. Whether you seek convenience, cultural immersion, or affordability, London presents a wide array of housing choices. Embrace the diversity of the city, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and seize the exciting opportunities that accompany living in this extraordinary metropolis.
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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/)