**Exploring London: My Journey in Securing Student Accommodation**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though nine months may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to grasp some vital insights about living in this vibrant metropolis. London is a lively city, not only because of its varied accommodation options but also due to the multitude of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of housing possibilities—from student halls to private rentals, featuring everything from ensuite bedrooms to studio flats and shared homes. Domestic students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students often utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
When I began my quest for accommodation, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city is served by a superb transport system, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. Nonetheless, I wanted to keep my travel costs low, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To save money, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. That said, the Oyster card scheme has made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London, although fares differ based on distance and the particular train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and of a similar age—an objective that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was another key consideration for me. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods when every moment counts.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be quite a challenge. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a wealth of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students search for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, offering an array of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a vibrant locale brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a fraction of the diverse neighbourhoods that render London such a distinctive place to call home.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for your new home in this city, take the time to appreciate the diversity and depth of its accommodation selections, discover its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)