**Discovering a Home in London: My Journey and Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my time in London. Although this may appear brief, I have gained considerable insights regarding the city and its housing possibilities. London is an ever-evolving, multicultural hub that presents a multitude of accommodation alternatives for students. Whether you choose student housing or private rentals, options abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, single and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily arrange physical viewings, while international students can browse options via websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which offer virtual tours, information on facilities, and access to public transport.
### Selecting a Residence
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social spots, and most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—making travel between the zones a breeze. However, commuting between zones can add up, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To save on expenses, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. Thankfully, student discounts on Oyster cards helped lower travel costs. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, covering outer zones with varying fare structures.
Residing in Central London does entail steep living costs, but I managed to cut expenses significantly by sharing an apartment with a university friend. I also decided on intercollegiate student housing, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity less common in private rentals.
### Key Amenities and Grocery Stores
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of London’s leading supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide budget-friendly choices. Having vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby is particularly convenient during stressful exam times when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be daunting, as London hosts numerous ethnic communities, each enhancing the city’s rich cultural fabric. A lot of international students prefer areas that offer a sense of comfort and familiarity.
– **Southall (West London)** – Renowned for its sizable South Asian community, Southall is filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton (South London)** – Celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture, Brixton features a lively music scene and a wide array of food choices.
– **Chinatown (West End)** – A bustling area known for its plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These are merely a few illustrations of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods that London has to offer.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal residence in London truly hinges on individual preferences and requirements. Whether your focus is on financial feasibility, closeness to your university, or cultural connections, the city presents a spectrum of choices. Embracing London’s diversity, experiencing various neighbourhoods, and relishing in its lively atmosphere can profoundly enrich your journey.
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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/)