**Experiencing Accommodation 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 my stay in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge in this time. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its extensive variety of accommodation alternatives but also its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices available, spanning from student residences to private living spaces. These options encompass ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, review the amenities, and evaluate the accessibility to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for housing, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key landmarks, social venues, and of course, the Imperial College campus was a priority for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most accessible. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses, as inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 on a daily basis. To save on costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking public transport. That being said, the Oyster card options have made getting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving regions outside central London. The ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the travel distance and the specific fare system of each train provider.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings about increased living expenses due to its closeness to prominent attractions. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student housing, as I anticipated meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more difficult in private accommodations.
A key consideration for me was being close to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time, particularly during exam periods when every second is valuable.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural ecosystem, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the countless community-centric neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the optimal place to settle down in London relies on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in this city, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into the cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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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/)*