**Exploring London: My Journey in Securing Housing as a Master’s Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not be perceived as extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights throughout this time. London is a lively and multifaceted city, characterized not only by its accommodation choices but also by the diverse communities that inhabit it. Here, students are truly catered to with a multitude of housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals. Choices abound, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students typically benefit from the ability to schedule in-person apartment tours, whereas those from overseas can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to assess potential accommodations online. These sites also furnish information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, thereby simplifying the experience for newcomers.
During my quest for a living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social areas, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transport system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to navigate and connect between zones. Nevertheless, I was focused on minimizing travel expenses, considering that commuting between zones can reach as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances in lieu of taking the bus or tube. That said, utilizing an Oyster card drastically lowers daily commuting costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground network, reaching regions outside the central area. The fares for these services vary based on the distance and the pricing structure set by the train operators.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of proximity to major attractions, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, being located near supermarkets was essential. Popular grocery stores in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a great deal of time, especially during hectic periods like exam times.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood in London can prove to be quite a task. The city’s ethnic groups contribute significantly to its cultural tapestry, presenting a wonderful array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population and boasts many Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a fraction of the diverse heritage-rich neighbourhoods found throughout London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re seeking a new residence or simply exploring the city, take pleasure in the diversity and breadth of London’s housing choices, immerse yourself in its cultural pockets, and relish the ease and excitement this extraordinary city offers.
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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/)*