**Exploring Accommodation in London: A Personal Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it may not appear to be an extended period, I have gained considerable insights throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, offering not just a myriad of accommodation options but also vibrant communities. Students, in particular, find themselves with a wealth of housing alternatives available to them. Whether you are seeking student residences or private rentals, numerous possibilities exist, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is relatively simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my own quest for lodging, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social centers, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus was a priority. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an exceptional public transport system, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between various zones. However, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on public transport, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making my commute to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching regions outside of central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the fare structure determined by the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also brings about elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as I was keen to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been harder to find in private rentals.
Another priority for me was being near grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proves extremely convenient, particularly during hectic periods like exam season when every moment counts.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities within London are intricately interwoven into the city’s cultural landscape, providing a diverse selection of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its extensive South Asian community, boasting various Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the many lively community areas throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re seeking a new home or simply embarking on a journey to explore the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation landscape, uncover its cultural hubs, and indulge in the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city 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/)*