**Exploring Housing in London: Insights from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not appear extensive, I have gained a few valuable insights throughout my time here. London is a lively and multifaceted city, not only in terms of its housing alternatives but also its diverse communities. Students in this city enjoy a multitude of accommodation possibilities, ranging from student residences to private rentals. The choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms and shared spaces, as well as studio apartments and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover accommodations online, examine available amenities, and determine accessibility to public transport.
When I started my hunt for housing, my goal was to find a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus was essential. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s superb public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can sometimes reach £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or Tube. That said, using an Oyster card greatly diminishes the commuting fees to university. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond central London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the individual train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was studying alongside a friend, and we chose to share accommodation, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I was also inclined to stay in intercollegiate student housing, as I wanted to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that may have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, proximity to supermarkets was essential. Some of the prevalent grocery stores in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being near essential stores, especially supermarkets and pharmacies, is a considerable time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in which to live can be a daunting choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to experience. Many international students seek out locales reminiscent of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many dynamic community neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the best area to reside in London entirely relies on your personal inclinations and necessities. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this vibrant city, welcome the diversity of its accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)*