**Exploring Accommodation and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve gained considerable insights into the city and its distinct essence. London is an ever-changing urban center, not only characterized by its varied housing options but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. Students especially have a broad spectrum of living arrangements available to them. Whether opting for student residences or private housing, the choices are plentiful—spanning ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, as well as studio flats and shared houses. For domestic students, coordinating apartment viewings is generally simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living situations online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my own quest for accommodations, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Being near the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus was a priority. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network—comprising the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones. However, I was mindful of travel expenses, as commuting between zones can accumulate costs of £5.25 daily. To minimize costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones, with fares fluctuating based on distance and the fare structure of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London, while advantageous, comes with a considerable price because of its closeness to prominent attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a fellow university friend, which helped substantially reduce our rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with other students from various backgrounds and around the same age—an experience that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
One of my key priorities was being near grocery stores. Some of the most frequented supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies can save a lot of time, especially during demanding times like exam season.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a plethora of varied neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of belonging in this expansive city. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a glimpse of the numerous community-oriented neighborhoods within London.
In the end, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When scouting for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)