**Finding a Place in London: My Journey and Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months have passed since I relocated to London, and although that may not appear to be a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insight into life in this vibrant city. London is not only rich in cultural diversity but also offers a multitude of housing options. Students can choose from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule in-person property viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine properties online, review amenities, and evaluate transportation options.
### Deciding Where to Reside
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London, close to key attractions, bustling social areas, and especially, Imperial College’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding public transport network—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. Nevertheless, commuting across zones can become pricey, amounting to as much as £5.25 daily. To mitigate expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Luckily, Oyster card options allow students to lower their commuting fares. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside Central London, though ticket prices vary based on distance and train providers.
Residing in Central London entails significant costs, yet I managed to reduce my rent by room-sharing with a friend. I leaned toward intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered the chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would’ve been more challenging in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. In London, commonly found supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly helpful, especially during hectic times like exam seasons.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the right area can be quite the task. London’s rich multicultural communities add to its cultural depth, and numerous international students look for neighborhoods that evoke familiarity. For instance:
– **Southall (West London)** – Recognized for its sizeable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire outlets.
– **Brixton (South London)** – Renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End)** – A bustling location filled with Chinese dining spots, stores, and cultural happenings.
These are merely a few instances of London’s eclectic neighborhoods, each presenting its own distinctive vibe.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to live in London is contingent on your individual tastes and requirements. While searching for accommodation, embrace the city’s diversity, discover various cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)*