**Exploring London: My Nine-Month Experience of Securing Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone in my London journey. Though it might not appear significant, I have gained considerable insights into this bustling metropolis. London is not only lively in terms of its varied housing offerings but also in its multitude of communities that reside here. Students have an abundance of accommodation options, spanning from university halls to private rentals. Choices vary from ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, private or shared bedrooms, studio flats, to house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite seamless, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties digitally, examine amenities, and consider distance to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for a place to call home, my attention was on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s major attractions, lively social spots, and of course, the Imperial College campus, was my priority. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the heart of the city. The city’s superb public transport—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and rail services—facilitates easy navigation. However, I aimed to lower my travel expenses, as moving between zones could amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than relying on public transport. Nevertheless, employing an Oyster card can substantially lessen commuting expenses for students. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside the city center. Fare prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London entails steep living expenses, but I was lucky to be enrolled in university with a friend. We opted to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. Additionally, I chose intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity less likely in private housing.
One of my main considerations was to live near grocery stores. Major supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being within reach of essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies proves to be a significant time advantage, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial element of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich blend of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Simultaneously, Chinatown, located in the bustling West End, offers a lively atmosphere packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These exemplify just a few of the diverse neighborhoods comprising London.
Ultimately, the most suitable place to reside in London is contingent upon individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your home-finding journey, celebrate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city provides.
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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/)*