**Residing in London: My Journey and Advice for Securing Housing**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I have gained substantial insights during this time. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, not only in terms of its diverse range of housing options but also in the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of housing alternatives. Whether you are considering student accommodations or private leases, options vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate facilities, and consider their distance from public transport.

In my hunt for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to stay close to the city’s major landmarks, popular social scenes, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. The city’s outstanding transport network—featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and travel among zones. However, I wanted to keep my travel costs low, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I typically opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting expenses to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. The fares for these services differ based on the distance traveled and the fare structure imposed by each train operator.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, enabling us to considerably lower our rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations in order to meet students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more difficult with private rentals.

One of my priorities was to be near grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that echo the culture of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Nestled in London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place to live or merely exploring the city, appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices, take the time to uncover its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has in store.

*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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