**Experiencing Accommodation in London: Reflections After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the completion of nine months living in London. Although it may seem like a brief period, I’ve gained some important knowledge during this time. London boasts an extraordinary vibrancy, not only through its array of accommodation options but also with the rich variety of communities that reside here. Students have an abundance of housing selections available at their fingertips. Whether it’s student accommodation or private rentals, a wide spectrum of choices awaits, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to examine potential housing online, review offered amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
When I commenced my quest for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s major attractions, communal areas, and notably, the Imperial College campus, was important to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport network—composed of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. However, I was eager to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has made commuting to university significantly cheaper. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail provide services to areas beyond central London, although ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to major sites. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend enabled us to considerably lower our rent. Personally, I was inclined to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as it provided me the chance to connect with individuals from various backgrounds within a similar age group—an opportunity that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Another important consideration for me was the availability of grocery stores nearby. Popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives encompass Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, contributing to a rich variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students search for areas that echo their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent just a slice of the many community-centric neighbourhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your unique interests and requirements. When hunting for a new home in this city, fully embrace its diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London 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/)