**Exploring Housing in London: A Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained considerable insight during this time. London thrives with energy and variety, not only in its extensive range of housing alternatives but also in the many communities that inhabit it. Students especially enjoy numerous options available to them. Choices range from student accommodations to private housing, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple, while international students can use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to find possible living arrangements online, explore amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
As I initiated my search for a home, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to key landmarks, social venues, and, above all, the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates movement across these zones. However, I was mindful of the expenses linked to inter-zonal travel, which can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize on travel costs, I preferred to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card presents considerable savings for university travel. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, catering to areas outside central London. The ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure unique to each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to popular sights. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, significantly reducing our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I aimed to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that might have been harder to achieve in private rental situations.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. The most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby greatly eases life, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities within London play an essential role in shaping the city’s cultural identity, presenting a fascinating array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to favor areas that resonate with their home cultures. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the West End, is an energetic enclave brimming with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the diverse neighbourhoods reflecting London’s rich community fabric.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London is contingent on your unique preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing choices, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)