**Finding Your Way Around Accommodation in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may not sound lengthy, I have absorbed a lot during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its vast selection of accommodation options but also by the variety of its communities. Students have numerous choices available. From student housing to private rentals, the possibilities include ensuite or suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings for apartments, while international students often use platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, evaluate available amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, most importantly, Imperial College was my main goal. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of the city. The city’s superb transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates seamless travel between these zones. However, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as journeying between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 a day. To economize, I frequently walked short distances rather than using public transport. The Oyster card system has made commuting to university considerably more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Fare costs on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of individual train operators.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing because I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more difficult in private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was a key consideration. Common supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-conscious options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be a major convenience, especially during hectic times such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be quite challenging. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in the cultural fabric of the city, presenting a diverse array of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. On the other hand, Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the various community-oriented neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in this bustling city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement 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/)