**Experiencing Accommodation and Life in London: My Personal Story**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months living in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it has given me ample opportunity to discover important lessons about life in this lively metropolis. London is not only rich in its housing options but also in the variety of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous housing alternatives, ranging from halls of residence to private rentals, featuring choices such as ensuite rooms, communal living, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person showings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online. These websites offer comprehensive details regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, which is vital when choosing where to reside.
When I initiated my quest for a place to live, my priority was locating a room in Central London. I aimed to reside near the city’s key attractions, cultural hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the heart of the city. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between various zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to curtail my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, covering areas outside Central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of individual train operators.
Residing in Central London offers various advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly aided in slashing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing because it allowed me to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
A key factor I considered when selecting a place to live was its nearness to grocery stores. Some familiar supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living close to crucial retailers, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, is extraordinarily convenient, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities are intricately woven into its cultural landscape, resulting in a vibrant array of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, providing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional garment stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music vibe. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a segment of the many culturally diverse neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges upon your unique interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the multitude of accommodation options, explore its cultural precincts, and revel in 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/)