**Finding a Home in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I relocated to London, and while that might not appear to be a long duration, I’ve gained substantial insights about residing in this vibrant city. London is not just diverse in its demographics and culture, but also offers a wide array of accommodation options. Students can choose from various types of housing, including student accommodations and private rentals, which feature ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange in-person viewings, whereas international students can look for options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These sites provide information on amenities, transport connections, and other critical aspects to consider when selecting a living space.
### Finding the Ideal Location
In my accommodation search, I aimed to reside in Central London in order to be close to major sights, social venues, and, crucially, Imperial’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a superb public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which makes it easy to navigate between zones. However, crossing between zones can be pricey, costing as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. Thankfully, Oyster card options help lower commuting expenses for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, albeit with fares varying by distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London entails high expenses, but I effectively reduced costs by sharing a room with a friend. I favored intercollegiate student housing, as it presented a chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that can be more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more cost-effective choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously advantageous, particularly during hectic exam periods when time is of the essence.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be difficult due to the city’s extensive diversity. Many international students seek areas that echo the culture of their home nations. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, dotted with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown offers a rich selection of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods, among many others, exemplify London’s multicultural essence.
### Concluding Thoughts
The optimal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re in search of budget-friendly options, cultural familiarity, or proximity to your university, London caters to all needs. As you embark on your home-finding journey, celebrate the city’s diversity, explore various neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities that this remarkable city has to deliver.