**Experiencing Life in London: Insights from a Student on Housing and Lifestyle**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I have gathered a wealth of experience during this time. London stands out as a vibrant and diverse metropolis, offering a plethora of accommodation choices and a wide array of communities. Students here benefit from numerous options, whether they prefer student housing or private accommodations. Choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is simple, while international students can conveniently browse future housing online through platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. These resources also share details about amenities and access to public transport.
As I embarked on my housing search, my emphasis was on locating a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social spots, and of course, the Imperial College campus, was my main goal. London is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an efficient public transport network—encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel across different zones. However, I was eager to minimize my travel expenses, as crossing zones could set you back as much as £5.25 a day. To save, I usually chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made my commute to university considerably cheaper. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary depending on the distance and the specific pricing policy of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses due to its closeness to main attractions. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a fellow student, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation since I was keen to meet other students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that may have been more difficult in private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a massive amount of time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the right area to reside can be a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their native countries within these communities. For instance, Southall in West London has a large South Asian population, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton thrives with its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples illustrate the many community neighborhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you seek a new residence in this city, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement that London presents.
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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/)