**Student Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I hit the nine-month milestone of my residence in London. Although that might not appear to be a lengthy period, I’ve gained a wealth of insights throughout my stay. London is an exceptionally dynamic city, not only due to its extensive range of housing alternatives but also because of the varied communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a plethora of accommodation options, from student-specific housing to private rentals. You can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private bedrooms, studio flats, and flatshares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check out potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
When I started my quest for housing, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s major attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is sectioned into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the heart of the city. The vast transportation system—including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. That said, I was eager to minimize my travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The costs associated with inter-zone journeys on these services vary based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it equally entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred staying in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided an opportunity to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can prove to be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that resonate with their home cultures. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community and showcases an array of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and pulsating music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, boasts a lively assortment of Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the many varied neighborhoods that comprise London.
Ultimately, the ideal locale for living in London is contingent upon your personal interests and preferences. As you embark on your quest for a new residence in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to explore its diverse housing choices, immerse yourself in its cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.
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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/)