**Exploring London: My Accommodation Journey and Experiences in the City**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Several days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem like a long duration, it has provided ample opportunity to glean several important insights about the city. London is a dynamic urban center, marked not only by its varied housing options but also by the multitude of communities that reside within it. For students, there is an abundance of housing alternatives available. Ranging from student residences to private rentals, the choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, explore facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I commenced my search for accommodation, my primary goal was to find a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social centers, and of course, Imperial College was crucial to me. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 as the core. The city’s comprehensive public transport system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement among these zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel expenses down, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card system has significantly decreased commuting costs to university. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas located outside of central London. Fares for these services depend on distance traveled as well as the specific fare structure established by each train operator.
Residing in Central London presents certain advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I preferred living in intercollegiate student housing as it allowed me to connect with other students from different backgrounds and of a comparable age—an experience that would have been more difficult in private accommodations.
One of my key considerations when deciding where to reside was being close to grocery stores. The most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic times like exam periods when every minute matters.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of unique neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that echo their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of the many community-centric neighborhoods in the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable place to live in London will hinge upon your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into its 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/)*
*Categorized 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/)*