**Exploring Life and Housing in London: Insights from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I marked my nine-month residency in London. Although nine months may appear brief, it has provided me with numerous enlightening experiences about existence in this lively metropolis. London is not only rich in its accommodation variety but also in the communities that reside within it. Whether you’re pursuing studies or are a working professional, you’ll uncover numerous housing alternatives that cater to your requirements. Ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, the options cover ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings tends to be quite simple, whereas international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential housing choices online, check for available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my search for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus, was a priority. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an impressive transportation network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that enables easy movement between these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenditures low, as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, possessing an Oyster card considerably lessens travel expenses for commuting to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, encompassing areas outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the specific fare structure of each train provider.
Residing in Central London brings the advantage of being near key attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I wanted to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that would have been more challenging to find in the private rental market.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies in close proximity is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite daunting. London’s diverse communities form a vital aspect of its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in London’s West End is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a fraction of the many vibrant neighborhoods found throughout the city.
In the end, the prime location in London for you hinges on your personal preferences and needs. When hunting for a new residence in this energetic city, take the opportunity to explore the varied accommodation offerings, immerse yourself in the cultural districts, and fully embrace 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/)*