**Experiencing Accommodation in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not appear to be an extensive period, I have gained considerable insight into life in this vibrant city. London is an energetic urban center, characterized not only by its wide array of housing alternatives but also by the multitude of communities that reside here. For students, there exists a plethora of housing options readily available. Whether opting for student-specific housing or private residences, possibilities span from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, evaluate available amenities, and consider their distance to public transportation.
When I commenced my quest for accommodation, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to remain close to the city’s primary attractions, vibrant social venues, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being most central. The city boasts an exceptional transport infrastructure—consisting of the Underground (or “Tube”), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. Still, I was eager to minimize my commuting costs, as travel between zones could reach as high as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has indeed made travelling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail operate beyond the Tube system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these options differ based on the journey length and the fare structure set by each train operator.
Residing in Central London carries a significant expense, largely due to its closeness to major sights. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I selected to live in intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that would have been trickier to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the well-known supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential establishments like supermarkets and drugstores saves considerable time during errands, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can feel overwhelming. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek locales where they can experience a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling atmosphere filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These illustrate only a few of the many culturally vibrant neighborhoods throughout London.
At the end of the day, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new abode in this city, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, explore its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill that London 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/)*