**Exploring Accommodation and Living in London: A Unique Journey**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Just a few days ago, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though nine months might not be perceived as a long duration, I’ve gained significant insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, characterized not only by an extensive array of accommodation possibilities but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, a multitude of options are readily available. From student residences to private housing, there are numerous choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate ease of access to public transport.

As I commenced my search for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social venues, and especially Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features an exceptional public transport network, comprising the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel among various zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I opted for walking over taking the bus or Tube for shorter distances. However, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the central part of London. The price for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates based on distance and the fare system of individual train operators.

Residing in Central London provides the advantage of being close to prime attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Fortunately, I was pursuing my studies with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I leaned towards staying in intercollegiate student accommodations since I was eager to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that would be limited in private rentals.

One of my main priorities was residing near grocery stores. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, especially during hectic periods like exam times.

Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural landscape, contributing to a rich variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity by moving to areas mirroring their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian population, featuring an array of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the countless community-oriented neighbourhoods in London.

Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, fully embrace the diversity of London’s accommodation choices, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.

*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/)*

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