**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**

*Penned by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I reached the nine-month benchmark of residing in London. Though that might not appear extensive, I’ve already gained substantial insights into this vibrant city. London is recognized not just for its extensive range of housing options but also for the eclectic communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, have a myriad of alternatives available to them, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and communal bathrooms, individual and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple, whereas international students can leverage platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online, examine the amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.

During my quest for a place to stay, my focus was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s primary attractions, lively social scenes, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transportation system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses, as journeys between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to stroll short distances instead of using the bus or Tube. That said, utilizing an Oyster card has made commuting to university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London’s Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, covering regions outside Central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific pricing structure of each train operator.

Residing in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was in university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that might have been more challenging to find in private rentals.

For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily accessible. Proximity to vital stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam weeks.

Selecting the appropriate neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural tapestry, providing a rich selection of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that resonate with their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re looking for a new residence or simply wandering through the city, embrace the diversity and vitality of London’s accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its cultural havens, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city offers.

*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/)

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