**Exploring Housing Options in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked the milestone of nine months living in London. Though it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained valuable insights into the city’s distinct vibe. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, offering not only a plethora of accommodation choices but also a variety of communities that inhabit it. Students have a wealth of housing opportunities available, from student halls to private lettings, including options like ensuite and shared bathrooms, single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange physical viewings, while overseas students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore housing online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
When I started my hunt for a place to stay, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key landmarks, social hotspots, and notably, Imperial College’s campus, was a priority for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s comprehensive transportation network—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones. However, I aimed to limit my travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can run as high as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than opt for the bus or tube. That said, taking advantage of an Oyster card can significantly cut commuting costs for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground, connecting areas outside the heart of the city. Fares for these services differ depending on distance and each train operator’s specific fare structure.
Residing in Central London certainly offers benefits, but it also comes with increased living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. Personally, I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, as I was eager to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been trickier in private rentals.
A major factor for me was finding accommodation near grocery stores. Some widely recognized supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a massive time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s diverse ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting an array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of homeliness. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population and is filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area abundant with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the lively community neighbourhoods that lend London its unique charm.
In the end, the perfect area to settle in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new home or simply wandering through the city, immerse yourself in the diversity and vibrancy of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and allure that this extraordinary city has in store.
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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/)