**Discovering a Place to Live in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I relocated to London, and although that might not sound like a lengthy period, I have gathered a wealth of knowledge about residing in this vibrant city. London boasts diversity not just in its populace and culture but also in its housing options. Students can select from an array of accommodations, including student housing, private rentals, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, as well as studio flats and house shares.
For home students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is fairly straightforward. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to peruse properties online, evaluate available amenities, and gauge their distance from public transport.
### Selecting Your Living Space
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social scenes, and, most crucially, Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. Thankfully, London features an outstanding public transport system that includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across various areas.
To cut expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the Tube or bus, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. However, Oyster card options significantly lessen travel costs for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and operator policies.
Residing in Central London incurs steep costs, yet I managed to save considerably by sharing a room with a friend. I also preferred intercollegiate student housing, giving me the chance to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that may have been more challenging in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more budget-friendly choices. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly simplifies daily tasks, especially during hectic exam times.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the perfect neighborhood can be daunting, as London is filled with numerous cultural communities. Many international students opt for regions that evoke a sense of home. For instance:
– **Southall (West London)** – Famous for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton (South London)** – Renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown (West End)** – A bustling locale rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings.
These represent just a few examples from the myriad of cultural enclaves that enhance London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you value affordability, closeness to school, or cultural similarities, the city provides an extensive array of choices. Embracing the diversity of London, exploring various neighborhoods, and leveraging its exceptional transport network can assist you in discovering the perfect place to call your home.
—
**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/)