**Finding Accommodation in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained a considerable amount of insight during this timeframe. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its diverse housing options but also due to the variety within its communities. For students, the city presents an array of housing possibilities right at hand. Both student residences and private lodgings offer choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for possible living arrangements online, evaluate available facilities, and consider closeness to public transport.
In my own quest for housing, I concentrated on locating a room to rent in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s major landmarks, social spots, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transit system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between different zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as commuting across zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, encompassing areas outside the central domain. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the particular fare structure of each train company.
Residing in Central London affords the advantage of proximity to key attractions, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which proved to be a substantial rent-saving measure. I favored intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of a similar demographic—something that would be more difficult to find in private rentals.
Having access to grocery stores was essential for me. Some well-known supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while lower-cost options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood is a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music locale. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many lively community neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London depends on your individual preferences and requirements. When embarking on the hunt for a new abode in this city, relish the variety and depth of London’s accommodation offerings, investigate its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill 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/)