**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Urban Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though nine months may appear brief, I’ve gained considerable insight during this time. London is a lively and ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not just by its expansive range of housing choices but also by the varied communities that inhabit it. For students, there are numerous options available just moments away. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide an assortment of selections, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while those from abroad can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living options online, examine available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I started looking for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I wished to be near key landmarks, social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies traversal between these zones. I paid special attention to minimizing travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university significantly more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fare for these services varies depending on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the specific train provider.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, yet it also comes with increased living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share accommodations, which notably lessened our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing because I desired to connect with students from a range of backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my essential priorities was to live near grocery stores. Some of the most frequented supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves a great deal of time, especially when managing tasks during exam periods.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in shaping its cultural tapestry, providing a plethora of neighbourhoods to explore. Many international students search for the comfort of familiar environments upon their arrival in London. For example, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian population, featuring many Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub teeming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous diverse communities that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to call home in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. While seeking a new residence, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing selections, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city has in store.
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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/)