**Experiencing Accommodation and Life in London: A Personal Narrative**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this timeframe might appear brief, it has offered me a wealth of perspectives on living in this dynamic city. London boasts a diverse range of accommodation choices along with a multitude of communities. For students, there are innumerable options readily available. Whether you seek student lodgings or private rentals, you’ll discover various possibilities such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to research their prospective homes online, examine available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s excellent transport network—including the Underground (commonly known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across different zones. Nevertheless, I intended to keep my travel expenses low, as traversing between zones could amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the Tube. Despite this, the Oyster card has made commuting to university considerably more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Tube network, encompassing regions outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies.
Residing in Central London comes with advantages—proximity to prominent landmarks—but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being close to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves significant time, particularly during exam season when every second is precious.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural tapestry, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries within this global hub. For instance, Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the best area to live in London will vary based on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this vibrant metropolis, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation offerings, investigate its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city provides.
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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/)