**Exploring London: My Journey to Securing Accommodation 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 residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it’s been sufficient for me to gather some essential experiences regarding life in this vibrant city. London is a metropolis that flourishes on diversity—not merely in its inhabitants, but also in its housing selections. Whether you are a student or working professional, there is an abundance of accommodation options available, ranging from student residences to privately rented spaces, each presenting a variety of arrangements such as ensuites, shared or solo rooms, studio flats, and communal living. For domestic students, arranging a viewing is quite simple, but for those coming from abroad, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom provide an accessible way to discover possible housing, review facilities, and evaluate distance from public transit—all online.

At the outset of my accommodation search, my primary objective was to find a room situated in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s major sites, social venues, and notably, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the most central areas. The extensive public transportation network—comprised of the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across the city. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can accumulate costs, with inter-zonal journeys costing up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend solely on public transport. Fortunately, the Oyster card system has made commuting to classes considerably more budget-friendly. Besides the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond Central London, though ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the train operator.

A significant obstacle of residing in Central London is the elevated cost of living, particularly in terms of rent. Luckily, I had the opportunity to cohabit with a friend, which greatly alleviated our financial burden. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, with the hope of connecting with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a goal that would have been more challenging in the private rental market.

Being situated close to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide economical alternatives. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a remarkable time-saver, especially during hectic times like the exam period.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring an array of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel outlets. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the bustling heart of London’s West End, is a lively district brimming with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few representations of the many community-centric neighborhoods found in London.

In the end, the ideal area to reside in is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you seek cultural variety, closeness to your school, or affordable housing, London caters to all needs. As you embark on your journey to find your new residence, take advantage of the city’s expansive accommodation choices, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the distinct experience of living in one of the world’s most exhilarating cities.

*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/)

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