**My Journey of Securing Housing in London**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge in this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, characterized not only by its vast array of housing options but also by the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, numerous housing selections are readily available. From student accommodations to private leases, options such as ensuite and shared facilities, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares abound. Domestic students can conveniently arrange in-person property viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore listings online, evaluate amenities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system, encompassing the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to lower my travel expenditures, as journeys between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I preferred walking shorter distances over using public transport. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card can greatly diminish commuting costs for university trips. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of being near major attractions, but this comes alongside increased living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I particularly favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging through private leasing.
Having proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Some prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time, particularly during hectic periods such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities greatly contribute to the city’s cultural tapestry, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring a variety of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of the many community-focused neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal locale to live in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in this metropolis, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing offerings, delve into its cultural zones, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)