**Exploring Housing in London: Insights from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, this timeframe has been filled with valuable lessons. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, not only in its vast array of housing possibilities but also through its lively communities. Students are truly fortunate with the multitude of housing alternatives available. Whether in search of student accommodations or private rentals, options abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling a viewing is a breeze, whereas international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate prospective accommodations online, review available facilities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, my emphasis was on securing a rented room in Central London. My aim was to remain near notable landmarks, popular hangouts, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. London’s outstanding public transport network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to reduce my transport expenses, as travel between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To keep costs down, I preferred walking shorter distances over using public transport. That being said, Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. The ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare structure employed by each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging to find through private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Among the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is exceedingly helpful, especially during hectic periods like exam time when every moment counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can prove to be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London play a significant role in the city’s cultural landscape, providing a diverse range of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, complete with many Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and shops specializing in traditional attire. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These examples merely scratch the surface of the numerous culturally enriched neighbourhoods present in London.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for your new home in this lively city, immerse yourself in the variety and richness of London’s housing choices, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary metropolis presents.
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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/)*