**Experiencing Life in London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficiently long for me to grasp several essential aspects of life in this dynamic metropolis. London showcases remarkable diversity not only in its housing options but also in the multitude of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of choices regarding accommodation. Whether you seek student residences or private lodging, the spectrum of options includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange in-person viewings of apartments, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online, explore amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
As I began my quest for a place to stay, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to remain near the city’s primary attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has rendered university commuting more budget-friendly. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these journeys vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, I managed to share accommodation with a friend, significantly reducing our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from various backgrounds who shared my age—a combination that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
A key priority for me was living in proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London entail Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during exam periods when every second is precious.
Determining the right neighborhood can be a daunting choice. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial element of its cultural landscape, offering a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke familiarity with home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian population, complete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area abundant in Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the diverse neighborhoods that contribute to making London such a distinctive place to reside.
Ultimately, the ideal location in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether in pursuit of a new dwelling or merely exploring the city, welcome the diversity and depth of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)