**Finding a Place to Live in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe might appear short, I have gained substantial insights into the city and its housing availability. London is an energetic and multi-faceted city, providing a broad spectrum of housing choices for students. Whether you’re in the market for student accommodations or private rentals, numerous options are available, from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly straightforward, while international pupils can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These platforms offer information about amenities and transportation connections, facilitating the selection of the perfect accommodation.
### Selecting Your Living Arrangement
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to commute between the zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly—inter-zonal journeys might cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I preferred to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. Fortunately, Oyster card options help alleviate commuting costs for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services varies based on the distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London can be expensive, but I was lucky to have a friend attending university alongside me. We chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would be more difficult in private rentals.
### Close to Necessary Stores
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide budget-friendly options. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is incredibly helpful, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. London is enriched by a multitude of ethnic communities, each enhancing the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Many international students prefer areas that evoke familiarity with home.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of the diverse neighbourhoods that London has to offer.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. When looking for accommodation, take the time to investigate the city’s diverse housing alternatives, engage with its cultural communities, and relish the excitement and convenience that London presents.