**Finding Accommodation and Life in London: My Journey**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I have gathered a substantial amount of experience during this time. London is an ever-evolving city, not only in its myriad accommodation selections but also in the variety of its communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Whether you’re in search of student housing or private rentals, choices are plentiful, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest to find a suitable living space, I concentrated on renting a room in Central London. My goal was to be near key attractions, lively areas, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The transportation network in the city is outstanding, featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate travel across the zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones could amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. That said, utilizing an Oyster card can significantly reduce commuting costs to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for these services differ depending on the distance traveled and the individual fare structures of each train operator.
Living in Central London presents its advantages, yet it also comes with escalated living expenses. Fortunately, I had a friend attending the university with me, and we decided to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and within a similar age group—a feat that can be more challenging with private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a major time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities constitute an integral part of London’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of London’s numerous community-oriented neighborhoods.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find your new home in this remarkable city, dedicate time to exploring the diverse housing options, immerse yourself in the rich cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)