**Exploring Housing Options in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might appear brief, the knowledge I’ve gained in this time is considerable. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, showcasing a plethora of accommodation alternatives alongside its rich diversity of communities. Students, in general, are presented with an extensive array of choices. Ranging from student lodging to private rentals, there’s something for every taste, whether it’s ensuite versus shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio apartments, or house shares. Domestic students find it quite easy to schedule apartment viewings, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible housing options online, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transportation.
When I commenced my hunt for accommodation, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and of course, the Imperial College campus, was paramount. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two encompassing the most central areas. The city features an impressive public transport network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating convenient travel throughout. Nonetheless, I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can set you back as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card has rendered commutes to university far more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, connecting areas outside central London. Prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure dictated by the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages, yet it also incurs elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was enrolled in university with a friend, and together we opted to share a room, which substantially lowered our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation as I wished to connect with peers from various backgrounds within a similar age range—an aspect that would have been more challenging in private lodging.
Accessibility to grocery stores was yet another key consideration for me. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland can also be found. Living near critical stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is extremely practical, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
Determining the ideal neighborhood can be quite a task. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in the city’s cultural fabric, offering a rich tapestry of neighborhoods for exploration. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that feel reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its substantial South Asian population, with an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is an energetic locale filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples reflecting the numerous diverse communities that contribute to London’s character.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding your new home in this remarkable city, take the time to delve into the varied accommodation choices, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
—
*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/)