**Experiencing Accommodation in London: Reflections After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this might seem like a brief period, it has provided me with numerous insights about living in this vibrant metropolis. London boasts a rich diversity of housing options as well as communities that make it their home. For students, there is a plethora of housing alternatives, from student halls to private rentals, featuring everything from ensuite bathrooms to shared living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible homes online, review amenities, and gauge access to public transport.
In my personal quest for accommodation, I prioritized securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near key landmarks, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. London’s remarkable transportation system—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—enables seamless travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or Tube. That said, the Oyster card provides fare discounts, particularly for students commuting to their studies. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, serving areas outside central London, with fares varying based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rental costs. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student housing, as I desired to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Another important consideration for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are readily available. Living near essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is highly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be quite a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in the city’s cultural diversity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is notable for its extensive South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling hub brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples merely scratch the surface of the community-infused neighborhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diverse and rich housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
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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/)*