**Exploring London: My Journey in Securing Student Accommodation**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although that may appear brief, I’ve gathered some significant knowledge in that time. London is a remarkably lively city, rich not only in diverse accommodation possibilities but also in the vibrant communities that inhabit it. Students here really have a wealth of choices regarding housing. Whether considering student homes or private rentals, the options are abundant: ensuite versus shared bathrooms, individual versus communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, organizing viewings is fairly easy, while international students can use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
When I launched my search for a place to stay, I was eager to find a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s main sights, social venues, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the one and two zones being the most central. The city boasts a superb transport network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains that simplify getting around. However, I was mindful of travel expenses, as commuting between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend solely on public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has made travel more economical for students. Beyond the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas outside of central London, although fares fluctuate based on distance and train provider.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly lowering our rental cost. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages — something that’s more challenging to achieve with private rentals.
For me, living close to grocery stores was important. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also available. Being near vital shops, especially during exam periods, greatly reduces the time spent on errands.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s multi-ethnic communities form an essential aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a myriad of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate towards locations that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its extensive South Asian community, featuring countless Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. The bustling Chinatown in the West End presents a lively assortment of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the diverse cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the optimal area for living in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a place to reside in this bustling city, embrace the variety of accommodation choices, explore the cultural depth of different neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that London offers.
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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/)