**Navigating Student Housing in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago it marked the completion of nine months since my relocation to London. This might not seem like a substantial duration, yet I have gathered a wealth of knowledge about residing in this vibrant metropolis. London boasts a plethora of accommodation alternatives and is home to various communities. Students can explore numerous housing options, from student halls to private rentals, comprising ensuite and shared bathrooms, as well as private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is a simple task, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover properties, examine amenities, and evaluate transport connectivity before finalizing a choice.
### Discovering the Ideal Residence
In my accommodation hunt, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s extensive transportation network—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, costing as much as £5.25 daily. To save some cash, I opted to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. Thankfully, utilizing an Oyster card greatly diminishes commuting expenses for students.
Apart from the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with ticket prices differing based on distance and each train company’s fee structure. Although residing in Central London is advantageous, it entails steep rental prices. To alleviate costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which led to significant savings on rent. Additionally, I preferred living in intercollegiate student accommodation, as it allowed me to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that can be more challenging in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical groceries. Having essential shops and pharmacies in the vicinity is especially convenient during hectic exam times when time is of the essence.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing where to reside in London can be daunting. The city’s bustling ethnic communities enhance its rich cultural fabric, with many international students gravitating towards areas that echo their own culture.
– **Southall (West London)** is notable for its vibrant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops.
– **Brixton (South London)** has a robust Afro-Caribbean vibe and a lively music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End)** is an energetic district teeming with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings.
These are merely a few examples of the culturally rich neighborhoods found in London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal residence in London varies based on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you seek affordability, cultural connection, or closeness to your university, London presents an array of accommodation choices. Exploring diverse neighborhoods and immersing yourself in the city’s lively ambiance can significantly enhance your experience.
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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/)