**Exploring Housing Options in London: Insights from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my journey in London. While that might sound brief, it has provided me with valuable insights about life in this bustling metropolis. London showcases an incredible diversity in its cultures and communities, alongside an array of accommodation choices for students. Whether your preference is student halls or private rental options, there’s a multitude of selections available, ranging from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling a viewing is fairly straightforward, whereas international students often utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance to public transport.
At the beginning of my quest for accommodation, my main goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s comprehensive transport system, which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my transportation expenses low, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 a day. To economize, I made the choice to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has really made commuting to my university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, services such as London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas beyond Central London. The fares for traveling between zones on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of individual train companies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also involves elevated living expenses due to its closeness to main attractions. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, desiring to interact with students from various backgrounds and ages—something that would have proven more difficult in private rentals.
A key consideration for me was being situated near grocery stores. Among the most prevalent supermarket brands in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a great time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. The diverse ethnic communities are a fundamental part of London’s cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek comfort by residing in places reflecting their countries of origin. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. In the vibrant West End, Chinatown is a lively hub teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the numerous culturally vibrant neighborhoods London boasts.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your unique interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore the culturally significant areas, and appreciate the convenience and thrill that London offers.
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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/)*