**Exploring Housing in London: My Journey**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with numerous insights regarding life in this lively city. London boasts not just a variety of housing choices but also a rich tapestry of communities that inhabit it. In particular, students are afforded a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from student dormitories to private living choices. These include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly uncomplicated, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.

In my personal quest for the perfect residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six circular zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s exceptional public transit network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows easy movement throughout these zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to minimize my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services span areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of individual train operators.

Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, allowing us to substantially lower our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something I would have found more challenging in private accommodations.

Having grocery stores in proximity was essential for me. Some well-known supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while there are also budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic times like exam periods when every second counts.

Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be quite challenging. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural tapestry, offering a wealth of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards the comfort of familiar environments upon relocating to London. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a vibrant South Asian community, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the various unique neighbourhoods that render London such an extraordinary place to reside.

In the end, the optimal area for living in London will hinge on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, welcome the diversity of its housing choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London presents.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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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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