**Exploring London: My Nine-Month Experience of Securing Accommodation**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While nine months might not appear to be an extensive duration, I have acquired substantial knowledge throughout this time. London is a lively and multifaceted city, showcasing diversity not only in its housing alternatives but also among the various communities that inhabit it. For students, the array of housing options is plentiful, spanning from student residences to private accommodations. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private as well as shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate living arrangements online, review facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my personal quest for accommodation, I was determined to find a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College was my goal. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The transportation network in the city is outstanding, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains that facilitate easy movement around the city. Nevertheless, I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as crossing between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to stroll short distances instead of using public transport. That said, the Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting costs to university. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the reach of the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. The ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the particular fare setup of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
A priority for me was to live near grocery stores. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s vast cultural kaleidoscope is showcased through its numerous ethnic communities, which contribute to the distinctive character of varied areas. Many international students opt for neighbourhoods that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Concurrently, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many lively community neighbourhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this dynamic city, embrace the variety of its housing alternatives, delve into its cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and thrill that London 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/)*