**Exploring Living and Accommodation in London: A Personal Journey**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

A few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it might not appear as an extensive duration, I’ve gathered some significant experiences in this time. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, not only in the variety of housing options available but also in the range of communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of housing alternatives readily accessible. Be it student residences or private rentals, choices vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shared accommodations. Local students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse listings online, verify available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.

In my quest for accommodation, I was especially focused on finding a room in Central London. My objective was to live in proximity to key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is mapped out into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. It boasts a remarkable public transit system, comprising the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel across various zones. Given that cross-zone travel can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, I aimed to curtail my travel expenditures by walking shorter distances whenever feasible instead of depending on public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to college more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the tube network, and fare prices fluctuate based on distance and each operator’s fare system.

Residing in Central London certainly has its advantages, but it also means facing elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that would be more difficult to find through private rentals.

Another crucial element for me was being close to grocery stores. London features some of the most popular supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. Ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural wealth, offering a multitude of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London houses a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of the numerous culturally vibrant neighborhoods in London.

In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a home in this remarkable city, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and take pleasure in the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.

*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/)

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