**Finding Student Housing in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not feel extensive, it has granted me the opportunity to gain several important insights regarding life in this lively city. London stands out not only for its varied housing choices but also for its rich communities. Students have an abundance of options for accommodation, with a range of selections available just around the corner. From student residences to private rentals, there are numerous possibilities, including ensuite rooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, organizing apartment viewings is a simple task, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and judge the closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near significant landmarks, social centers, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two presenting the most central locations. London boasts an impressive transit system—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy movement across and between zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can reach as much as £5.25 daily. To save cash, I commonly chose to walk shorter distances instead of resorting to public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card has made commuting to the university considerably more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings about elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lessened our rental costs. I decided to live in intercollegiate student housing, as I desired to interact with students from various backgrounds and within the same age range—something that would have been more difficult in private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more budget-friendly options. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be challenging. The city’s diverse ethnic communities contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a variety of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring an array of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the numerous lively community neighborhoods in London.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and needs. As you embark on your search for a home, relish the diversity and abundance of London’s housing options, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and appreciate the convenience and excitement that this incredible city provides.
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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/)