**Finding Accommodation in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I have acquired considerable knowledge during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not only by a wide range of lodging options but also by the varied communities that inhabit it. Students are truly fortunate when it comes to their housing choices. There is an abundance of both student-focused accommodations and private rentals, featuring various amenities such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing, review amenities, and evaluate their convenience to public transport.
As I embarked on my hunt for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. I sought to be near the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, undeniably, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city has a remarkable public transport system, including the underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between zones. However, I wanted to keep my commuting expenses low, as travelling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Nonetheless, the available Oyster card options have made getting to university more budget-friendly. London Overground and National Rail services also extend into areas beyond the Underground network, covering outer zones. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London, while practical, is accompanied by a hefty price tag because of its closeness to major sites. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that would have been challenging in private rentals.
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies can save a significant amount of time, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the right neighbourhood to call home can be a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its vibrant cultural scene, offering numerous neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate toward areas that resonate with their roots. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many culturally rich neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in this city, embrace London’s varied and rich accommodation landscape. Delve into its cultural enclaves and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary 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/)