**Exploring Student Housing in London**

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

Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While that might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained some insightful experiences about life in this lively metropolis. London is a dynamic city, enriched not only by its varied accommodation choices but also by its diverse communities. Students are truly fortunate when it comes to living arrangements. Whether you seek student housing or private rentals, there’s a broad selection of possibilities, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is simple, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore possible accommodations online, check for available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

During my hunt for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London, hoping to remain near the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a remarkable transportation system—encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating movement across these zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to lower my travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. To save money, I typically chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, utilizing the Oyster card grants reduced fares, making commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central zone. The pricing of inter-zone travel on these services differs based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.

Residing in Central London has its advantages but comes with elevated living expenses due to the area’s appeal and its closeness to prominent attractions. Thankfully, I was in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly helped us in reducing rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student housing, as I was eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an aspect that might have been harder to achieve in private rentals.

One critical factor for me was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies significantly saves time, especially during hectic periods like exam time.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London play an essential role in the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to lean towards areas reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community and features numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods throughout London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you seek accommodation in this energetic city, embrace its diversity and richness of housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London presents.

*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/)

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