**Discovering a Home in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I relocated to London, and although that might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained considerable knowledge about residing in this vibrant city. London showcases remarkable diversity, not just in its inhabitants and communities but also in its variety of housing options. Students have an array of choices, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while those from abroad can investigate available options online via platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which offer information on amenities and transportation connections.
### Selecting a Place to Stay
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key tourist spots, social centers, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel among zones. However, traveling between zones can become pricey—up to £5.25 daily—so I decided to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. Thankfully, Oyster card discounts make commuting more economical for students. Furthermore, both the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, with fares depending on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London involves higher expenses, but I managed to substantially reduce costs by sharing a room with a friend. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodation, which allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Importance of Essentials Nearby
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having crucial establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies in proximity is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exams.
### London’s Cultural Diversity
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting, as the city is rich with various cultural communities. Many international students look for areas that provide a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a robust South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of the West End, is an energetic area bustling with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of the diverse neighborhoods London has to offer.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you value cost-effectiveness, closeness to the university, or cultural resonance, London presents a broad spectrum of accommodation choices. Embracing the city’s diversity, discovering various neighborhoods, and maximizing its dynamic atmosphere can lead to a genuinely fulfilling experience here.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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/)