**Experiencing Accommodation in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may seem like a brief period, I’ve gained substantial insights along the way. London is vibrant and eclectic, offering not just a broad spectrum of housing options but also a multitude of communities that reside within it. Students here enjoy an abundance of choices, ranging from student residences to private rentals, featuring everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is a simple process, while international students can turn to resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my primary goal was to secure a room in Central London. I sought to be near key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being at the center. London features an outstanding public transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across the zones. Still, I aimed to lower my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. To save, I opted to walk shorter routes rather than rely on buses or the Tube. However, utilizing an Oyster card can greatly lessen travel expenses for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail operate beyond the Tube network, covering areas outside of central London. Costs for these services vary depending on distance and specific fare structures from train companies.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to cut down on rent significantly. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodation to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Residing close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves a substantial amount of time, particularly during hectic periods like examinations.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities significantly enrich its cultural tapestry, providing an abundance of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity within the city. For instance, Southall in West London houses a large South Asian community, replete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End showcases a colorful array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the myriad diverse neighbourhoods contributing to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you explore and seek a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London 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/)