**Exploring Housing in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights about the city during this time. London is a lively and energetic metropolis, not only because of its multitude of housing choices but also due to the array of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, have numerous options available to them. Whether you’re considering student housing or private rentals, the choices span from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging in-person viewings of apartments is straightforward, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, I focused on finding a room in Central London. My goal was to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of the city. The transportation system here, which encompasses the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across the zones. Still, I aimed to keep my travel expenses to a minimum, as inter-zonal journeys can result in costs as high as £5.25 daily. To cut down on expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card provides reduced travel fares, helping to lower the cost of commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for these services can fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also means facing high living expenses, particularly due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I had a friend attending the same university, and we made the decision to share a room, which allowed us to save substantially on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I aimed to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
One key factor for me was the accessibility to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural vibrancy, boasting an array of distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students venture to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, replete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples merely scratch the surface of the many diverse communities that render London such an exceptional place to reside.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
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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/)*