**Finding a Place to Live in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I relocated to London, and while that timeframe might seem brief, I have gained considerable insight into life in this vibrant city. London is not only rich in its variety of people and communities but also presents a broad spectrum of housing choices for students. Whether seeking student accommodation or private rentals, there is an abundance of options, such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly easy. Conversely, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate rental possibilities online, view available amenities, and evaluate the proximity to public transport before they arrive in the city.
### Selecting Your Living Space
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between various locations.
Considering that daily travel between zones can cost as much as £5.25, I sought to minimize my commuting costs by walking shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. Nevertheless, Oyster card options make travel more economical for students heading to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering outer zones with varying fare structures based on the distance traveled.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which significantly cut our rental costs. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a platform to connect with students from various backgrounds within a similar age bracket—an opportunity less likely to be encountered in private rentals.
### Key Amenities and Grocery Stores
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland offer more economical choices. Having vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies in close proximity is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given that the city boasts a plethora of cultural communities contributing to its distinct identity. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home.
For instance, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the many diverse neighbourhoods within the city.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London is contingent upon your individual needs and preferences. Whether you emphasize affordability, closeness to university, or cultural resonance, the city provides a vast array of housing choices. By investigating different neighbourhoods and embracing London’s diversity, you can discover a home that aligns with your lifestyle while relishing all that this remarkable city has to offer.