**Experiencing Accommodation in London: My Journey After Nine Months**

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

Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of living in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not only by its varied accommodation choices but also by the multitude of communities residing within it. For students, there are numerous options right at their fingertips. Whether you’re considering student residences or private rentals, you’ll discover an extensive array of selections, such as ensuite rooms, shared bathrooms, private and shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly set up in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.

In my quest for a place to reside, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s remarkable transportation network—consisting of the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce my commuting expenses, as inter-zonal travel fees can reach up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. However, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on the distance and each train company’s fare structure.

Residing in Central London offers advantages—such as closeness to major attractions—but also presents challenges, particularly high living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I preferred living in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more difficult to achieve in private housing.

A significant priority for me was being near grocery stores. Prominent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. The various ethnic communities in London are vital to the city’s cultural essence, weaving together a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many vibrant community neighborhoods within London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London provides.

*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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