**Discovering a Home in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I celebrated the nine-month mark since relocating to London. Although this may appear to be a brief period, I have gained significant insights throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, offering a vast array of living options alongside its vibrant communities. Students can choose from various housing alternatives, such as student accommodations and privately rented properties, featuring layouts with ensuite or shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, organizing apartment viewings is generally an uncomplicated task, whereas international students have access to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom for virtual property tours, availability of amenities, and evaluation of transport links.
### Selecting a Living Area
In my quest for suitable accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, lively hotspots, and, crucially, Imperial’s campus. London’s layout consists of six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the core areas. The city’s comprehensive public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I preferred short walks over bus or Tube rides, as moving between zones could incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. However, discounted Oyster card options are available, making commuting more budget-friendly for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services operate outside the Tube system, with ticket prices varying by distance and operator.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but I was lucky to attend university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I also chose intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds within my age range—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essential Retailers
Having grocery stores nearby was important to me. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands—especially during hectic exam weeks.
### London’s Multifaceted Communities
Deciding on a neighbourhood in London can be difficult, as the city hosts a plethora of cultural communities. Many international students prefer areas that evoke the essence of their home nations.
– **Southall (West London)**: Renowned for its significant South Asian population, Southall boasts an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops.
– **Brixton (South London)**: Known for its rich Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown (West End)**: A bustling area filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural celebrations.
These are merely a few illustrations of the myriad cultural neighbourhoods that enrich London’s diversity.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to stay in London is contingent on your individual preferences and requirements. While searching for accommodation, take advantage of the city’s diverse living options, explore its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.
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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/)