**Finding a Home in London: My Journey and Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I relocated to London, and while that may appear brief, I’ve acquired substantial knowledge about residing in this vibrant city. London boasts not only a rich diversity in its populace and culture but also in its housing selections. Students encounter a myriad of options, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, such as ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, international students can delve into possibilities online through platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which offer detailed information on amenities and transportation links.
### Selecting Where to Reside
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hubs, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s extensive transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across various areas. However, traveling between zones can become expensive, with daily fares soaring up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. That said, Oyster card options assist in lessening travel costs for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, providing alternative travel choices with fluctuating fares based on distance.
Residing in Central London entails significant expenses; however, I was lucky to have a friend studying alongside me. We decided to co-rent a room, which considerably diminished our rental costs. I also leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
### Importance of Proximity to Amenities
For me, being near supermarkets was essential. Some of the popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical grocery options. Being close to essential shops, including pharmacies, saves time when handling errands—particularly during hectic exam weeks.
### Identifying the Ideal Neighbourhood
Deciding on the appropriate neighbourhood can be a tough choice. London’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its numerous ethnic communities, which offer a sense of comfort for international students. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with countless Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, presents a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the many cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Closing Thoughts
The ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether seeking affordability, closeness to the university, or a robust cultural community, London caters to diverse needs. Embracing the city’s diversity, exploring its neighbourhoods, and taking advantage of its housing options can lead you to discover the perfect place to call your home.
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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/)*