**Finding Housing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to gather various important insights about living in this bustling metropolis. London is famed not just for its extensive selection of housing alternatives but also for its rich and lively communities. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, an abundance of housing options awaits, ranging from student accommodations to private leases. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple, whilst international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, review amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
In my own accommodation search, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to the city’s key attractions, social centers, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones 1 and 2 being the most central areas. The city boasts a remarkable transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating around the city and traveling between zones effortless. Nevertheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has enabled me to commute to university at a lower cost. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also implies elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to reduce rent by sharing a room with a friend who was also attending university. We selected intercollegiate student accommodation, which facilitated connections with other students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that would have been tougher to find through private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery shops was essential. Some of the prominent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely beneficial, especially during hectic times like exams.
Deciding on the right neighborhood to call home can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities are a vital component of the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for places that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the many community-centric neighborhoods in London.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London is determined by your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a home, devote time to explore the city’s varied housing options and immerse yourself in the cultural richness that London is renowned for. Whether you are attracted to the ease of city living or the allure of a culturally vibrant neighborhood, London offers something for everyone.
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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/)