**Exploring Housing Options in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I marked nine months of my life in London. While that might not appear significant, it’s been long enough for me to discover several aspects of this dynamic city. London is rich in its variety of accommodation choices as well as in the communities that inhabit it. For students, there are numerous options readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing present several alternatives, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential rentals online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my own quest for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room to rent in Central London. I sought to be near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an excellent transit system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has rendered my university commutes significantly more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London tends to be costly due to its closeness to major points of interest. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which allowed us to make considerable savings on rent. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that would have been trickier to find in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Among the most common supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a major time-saver, especially during hectic periods such as exam season.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can prove tricky. The ethnic communities within London are a vital part of its cultural essence, providing a rich array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods across London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and necessities. When looking for a new residence in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, delve into its cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London 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/)