**Exploring London: My Journey with Student Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months since relocating to London. While that may not sound extensive, I’ve gained some significant perspectives during this time. London is a vibrant and multicultural city, not just in its housing possibilities but also in the various communities that inhabit it. For students, a wide array of living arrangements is accessible, from student halls to private rentals. These choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students often depend on services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential living spaces online, view available features, and evaluate distances to public transport.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, I specifically sought a room within Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s key sites, vibrant areas, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College London. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts a commendable public transit system, including the Underground (known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across different zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Costs for these services differ based on the distance and the fare structure set by the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with a high price tag. Fortunately, I was studying alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and similar age groups—something that would have been harder to achieve in private accommodation.
For me, living near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during hectic periods such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a complex choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities add greatly to its cultural fabric, offering a wealth of different neighbourhoods. Many international students look for locales that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a thriving hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods across London.
Ultimately, the best location to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you embark on the hunt for a new home in this metropolis, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, explore its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.
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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/)