**Exploring London: My Journey in Securing Housing as a Master’s Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my residency in London. Although that may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gained considerable insight throughout my time here. London is an evolving metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing options but also by the richness of its communities. For students, there are countless accommodation alternatives available. Whether you’re considering student residences or private lets, you’ll discover choices that span from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule flat viewings, whereas international students can turn to resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online, review facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to call home, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, popular social spots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus was important to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s transport infrastructure is superb, with the Underground (tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy travel between zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips can add up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transportation. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting costs to my university. Besides the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, although fares differ based on the distance and the particular train service.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which markedly eased our rent burden. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, driven by my desire to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds who are around my age—a blend that is more challenging to find in the private rental sector.
A major consideration for me was living near grocery stores. The prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic periods such as exam time.
Selecting the perfect neighbourhood in London can prove to be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students flock to areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is notable for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, serves as a bustling centre of Chinese gastronomy, shops, and cultural festivities. These merely scratch the surface of the many dynamic community neighbourhoods that London has to offer.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for your new residence in this city, take the time to appreciate the diversity and richness present in London’s housing offerings. Discover its cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy that this exceptional 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/)*