**Exploring Housing in London: Insights from a Student**
*Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although that might not appear extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving and multifaceted city, not only with respect to its housing alternatives but also through the lively communities that reside here. For students, numerous housing options are readily available. Whether in search of student housing or private rentals, the variety includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can seamlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
When I started hunting for a place to stay, my aim was to find a room to rent in Central London. I desired to be near prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal transit can incur expenses up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. That said, acquiring an Oyster card can substantially reduce commuting expenses to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations aiming to meet peers from different backgrounds and similar age demographics—an achievement that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, especially during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities enrich its cultural landscape, offering a plethora of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students seek out locales that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its significant South Asian populace, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, teems with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These merely represent a few instances of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods within London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your journey for a new home, cherish the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)