**Experiencing Housing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, my time here has imparted a great deal of knowledge about the city. London is an exciting cityscape, characterized not only by its diverse housing opportunities but also by the multitude of communities that make it their own. For students, accommodation options abound. Whether you are in search of student housing or private lodgings, there’s a spectrum of choices available ranging from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students may utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for available listings, evaluate amenities, and consider distances to public transport.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the central areas. The city boasts a robust public transport system—comprised of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—allowing for easy movement between different zones. Nevertheless, I was intent on minimizing my travel expenses, given that traveling across zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing the bus or Tube. That being said, possessing an Oyster card can greatly alleviate travel costs, particularly for university trips. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with ticket prices varying according to distance and specific pricing of each train service.
Residing in Central London offers various advantages, yet it also brings elevated living expenses due to its closeness to significant attractions. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably reduced our rental costs. I personally preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that’s often more difficult with private rentals.
Proximity to grocery outlets was crucial for me. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely beneficial, particularly during exam seasons when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood to reside in presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, contributing a colorful array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward locales reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is celebrated for its significant South Asian community, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving hub brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new home in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to delve into its various accommodation offerings, engage with its cultural sectors, and relish the convenience and thrill that London presents.
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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/)