**Experiencing Accommodation and Life in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extended period, it has been ample time to gain some insightful experiences. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, both in terms of housing selections and the lively communities that inhabit it. Students are truly fortunate, as there’s an abundance of options for accommodation. Whether considering student housing or private rentals, you can discover various choices including ensuite or shared bathrooms, private rooms or shared living spaces, studios, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling an in-person apartment tour is quite uncomplicated. On the other hand, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to look into potential living arrangements online, investigate amenities, and examine accessibility to public transportation.
When I initiated my hunt for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transit system, inclusive of the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy travel between the zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending solely on public transport. Nonetheless, for longer journeys, the Oyster card system provides reduced fares, making transit more economical for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. Fares for these services vary based on distance and specific train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also brings higher living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations as I sought to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups— a mix that could be tougher to find in private rentals.
One of my primary considerations was proximity to grocery outlets. Among the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves significant time, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in isn’t an easy endeavor. London’s ethnic communities form a vital aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to investigate. Numerous international students search for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, providing a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout London.
In the end, the best region to live in truly depends on your personal preferences and necessities. As you embark on the quest for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity, explore its rich cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)