**Exploring London: My Journey with Housing and Living in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire several important insights about life in this bustling city. London boasts incredible diversity, not only in its culture and communities but also in its housing choices. Whether you are a student or working professional, the city provides an extensive array of living arrangements, including student accommodations and private rentals, with options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For students living at home, scheduling apartment viewings is quite easy, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to review available accommodations online, assess amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
While searching for a residence, my focus remained on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be in proximity to the city’s key attractions, social centers, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s superb public transportation network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement across different zones. However, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal transport can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To save on costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than using the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university significantly more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. Fees for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also implies higher living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly lessened our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as it allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Having easy access to grocery stores was crucial for me. Several of the most common supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is remarkably convenient, particularly during busy times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities within London are a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a plethora of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is well-known for its substantial South Asian population, featuring a wealth of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of the West End, is a vibrant locale teeming with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These examples signify just a portion of the diverse neighborhoods that render London an extraordinary place to live.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of cultural depth, convenience, or affordability, London has offerings to satisfy all. Embrace the city’s diverse housing options, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the thrill of living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
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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/)*