**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 milestone of nine months residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive period, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences throughout this journey. London is a lively and multifaceted city, characterized not only by its housing choices but also by its various communities. Students in the city have a plethora of accommodation options available. Whether you are in search of student housing or private rentals, there is something for everyone—whether it be ensuite or shared facilities, private rooms, studios, or house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can use resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to navigate accommodations virtually, examine available facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport links.

When I initiated my room search, my primary aim was to find a place in Central London. I preferred to be near the city’s key attractions, social spaces, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being centrally located. The city’s superior transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel throughout the zones. Nonetheless, I was keen on cutting down my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To save money, I tended to walk shorter distances instead of opting for public transport. That being said, Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network. The pricing for these services varies according to distance and each provider’s specific fare structure.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share an apartment, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as I was eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that would be more challenging to find in private rentals.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential amenities like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, especially during busier times such as exam periods.

Finding the ideal neighborhood can be quite a task. The ethnic communities of London significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the many dynamic community neighborhoods within the city.

In the end, the ideal living area in London depends on your unique interests and necessities. As you embark on your search for a home, appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.

*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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