**Exploring Housing Options in London: My Personal Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve absorbed quite a lot about this vibrant city. London is renowned not just for its wide range of housing options but also for the varied communities that inhabit it. Students have numerous accommodation choices at their disposal, spanning student residences to private lodgings, with variations such as ensuite and communal bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly arrange property viewings, while international students can access websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential living spaces online, examine facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
When I commenced my search for a residence, I was determined to secure a room in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—which includes the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I was mindful of transportation expenses, as traveling between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of consistently relying on public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting costs to university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the central zones, providing more travel options. The fares for these services vary based on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London has its benefits, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I managed to reduce my rent by sharing a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. I opted to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more difficult in private housing.
Closeness to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Living near essential shops, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the various community-centric neighbourhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new home, take the time to delve into the city’s diverse accommodation alternatives, immerse yourself in its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London provides.
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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/)