**Exploring Housing Options in London: My Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it’s been sufficient for me to discover several important insights about living in this vibrant city. London is a lively metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of accommodation possibilities but also by its varied communities. Students have an abundance of choices when it comes to housing, from student halls to private living spaces that provide ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students find it easy to book viewings, while international students can use platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing options, evaluate amenities, and consider public transport access—all from the ease of their own homes.
In my quest for a place to live, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My ambition was to be near the city’s key sites, lively social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transit system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates travel across these zones. However, I was aware of the potential costs linked with inter-zonal travel, which can accumulate to £5.25 per day. To cut expenses, I tended to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more cost-effective. For extended journeys, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas situated outside the central zones. The prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the distinct fare structure set by each train operator.
Residing in Central London brings the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, but it also incurs higher living expenses. Fortunately, I managed to reduce my rent by sharing a room with a friend who was also my university mate. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something harder to achieve in private housing.
The location’s accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Living close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies can save considerable time, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be quite a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in the city’s cultural landscape, providing a diverse array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, showcasing numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the many community-centric neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness and diversity.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new living space or simply discovering the city, take advantage of the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that 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/)