**Exploring London: My Journey to Secure Student Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit a significant milestone—nine months of residing in London. While this may not appear to be a lengthy period, I’ve gained considerable insight during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, offering not only a plethora of accommodation alternatives but also a rich tapestry of its communities. Here, students enjoy an extensive selection of housing options, ranging from student halls to private rentals. Choices span ensuite rooms, shared or individual areas, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, whereas international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential lodgings online, evaluate amenities, and consider convenience to public transport.
As I commenced my search for housing, my priority was to find a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social venues, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s transportation network—composed of the Underground (Tube), buses, and rail services—facilitates movement across these zones. However, I was determined to keep my travel expenses low, since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than use public transport. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more cost-effective. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, though prices differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London offers various advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which drastically lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a feat that would be more challenging in private housing.
Access to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to important facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies is extraordinarily handy, especially during hectic periods like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are integral to the city’s cultural fabric, offering an abundance of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students look for areas that evoke their home country. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling epicentre of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the numerous culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for accommodation in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)*