**Exploring Housing in London: My Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not appear to be a long duration, this time has granted me invaluable insights about life in this dynamic city. London showcases not only a variety of housing choices but also the distinct communities that inhabit it. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city presents an extensive array of living options tailored to diverse needs and tastes. From student accommodations to privately rented properties, one can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to studio flats and house shares. For home-based students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite easy, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse online listings, check for amenities, and evaluate their transportation links.
In my quest for a suitable living arrangement, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain near major sights, social hotspots, and above all, Imperial College’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers a superb transportation network, including the Underground (or Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating seamless movement across different zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, given that traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I opted for walking shorter distances instead of using public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting more economical for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, servicing areas outside of central London. Pricing for these services varies based on distance and the train operator in question.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds who were also around my age—a combination that would have been harder to encounter in private rentals.
When selecting a place to stay, one of my primary considerations was the closeness to grocery stores. Some of the most popular supermarket chains within London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-conscious alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic periods like exam season when every moment matters.
Determining the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, offering a vast array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students find themselves drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples merely scratch the surface of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods available in London.
In the end, the best area to inhabit in London is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new residence or simply navigating the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city 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/)