**Finding a Home in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though it might seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights about the city in this time. London is a remarkably vibrant location, not only because of its varied housing options but also due to the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students can choose from a myriad of accommodations, including student housing and private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore listings, assess amenities, and evaluate transportation links.
### Deciding Where to Reside
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social spots, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. Thanks to the expansive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—traveling between zones is manageable. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can become expensive, with fares going up to £5.25 per day. To save costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport whenever possible. Fortunately, Oyster card options greatly lower travel costs for students.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services connect to regions outside central London. Fares for these services depend on travel distance and the pricing policies of various train operators. Residing in Central London comes with steep costs due to its closeness to major sites. Luckily, I was attending the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, enabling us to significantly reduce our rent. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations as they allowed us to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that might be rare in private rentals.
### Significance of Proximity to Amenities
For me, proximity to grocery shops was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Having vital stores such as grocery shops and pharmacies within walking distance saves valuable time, especially during hectic exam seasons.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given that the city is home to numerous ethnic communities that enhance its cultural diversity. Many international students prefer areas that exude a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, with an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a lively hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few examples of the myriad diverse districts in London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and needs. While searching for accommodation, take the opportunity to explore the city’s extensive housing options, dive into its cultural zones, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)