**Exploring Accommodation in London: A Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided ample time for me to absorb several crucial insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London boasts a plethora of accommodation choices as well as a variety of communities that make it their home. Students, in particular, have numerous options available when seeking a place to stay. From student residences to private housing, the selections include ensuite and suite bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite straightforward, while international students can turn to sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse listings online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room to rent in Central London. Being near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus was my goal. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can lead to fees of up to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. That said, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting expenses for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas beyond Central London. Ticket prices for these services vary depending on the distance and fare structure of each train service provider.
Residing in Central London presents advantages, but it also entails increased living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodation.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the right area to settle in can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural landscape, offering a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students look for places that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is notable for its substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown in London’s West End provides a vibrant environment filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many distinct neighborhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is largely contingent on your personal preferences and necessities. As you search for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the variety of accommodation options, delve into its cultural districts, and savor the convenience and excitement that London 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/)