**Experiencing Accommodation and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity for me to glean several important insights about living in this dynamic metropolis. London boasts not only a vast array of accommodation choices but also a rich diversity in its communities. Students in this city have an extensive selection to choose from, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. You can find options with ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For students living locally, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while those from overseas can use platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes, evaluate amenities, and review access to public transport online.
In my own quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room for rent in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social spots, and notably, Imperial College’s campus, was important to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s superb public transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation between zones. However, traveling between zones can incur costs, amounting to as much as £5.25 daily. To cut down on transportation expenses, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than utilizing the bus or tube. That said, Oyster card options have enabled me to make commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, new services such as London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground, extending to areas outside the city center. The cost for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent costs. I personally preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a challenge in the context of private rentals.
One of my foremost considerations when selecting accommodations was how close they were to grocery shops. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Living near essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly handy, particularly during hectic periods like exams when every minute counts.
Determining the best neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities within London are integral to the city’s cultural richness, creating a vibrant mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a prominent South Asian community, noted for its Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving enclave brimmed with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are but a few examples of the myriad lively community neighborhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding your new abode in this vibrant city, immerse yourself in the variety of accommodation options, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)