**Finding a Place to Live in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
It has been nine months since I relocated to London, and although it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained substantial insights about residing in this vibrant city. London is not only rich in diversity across its communities but also presents a variety of housing options for students. Whether you seek student accommodations or private rentals, there are numerous possibilities, including rooms with ensuites or shared bathrooms, private and shared living spaces, studio flats, and shared houses.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. Conversely, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, check various amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport before finalizing their choice.
### Deciding on a Location
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy commuting. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares soaring up to £5.25. To cut costs, I chose to walk short distances instead of using the Tube or bus whenever feasible. Thankfully, Oyster cards provide discounted travel rates for students.
In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond central zones, offering extra commuting options. However, the fares for these services depend on the distance traveled and the train operator.
Residing in Central London entails significant costs, but I managed to minimize expenses by sharing a room with a friend. This arrangement considerably reduced our rent while still enabling us to relish the advantages of city life. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something tougher to accomplish in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket brands in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide budget-friendly choices. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies close by is tremendously convenient, particularly during hectic exam seasons when every minute counts.
### The Richness of London’s Communities
Selecting the right neighborhood can prove challenging, as London encompasses a wide array of cultural communities. Many international students seek neighborhoods that mirror the comforts of their home countries.
– **Southall (West London)** is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops.
– **Brixton (South London)** showcases a lively Afro-Caribbean community along with a flourishing music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End)** stands out as a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings.
These are merely a few illustrations of London’s diverse neighborhoods, each providing a distinct cultural experience.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location to reside in London is personalized according to individual preferences and requirements. Whether you value affordability, closeness to your university, or cultural familiarity, the city presents an array of choices. As you embark on your housing search, embrace the diversity of London, explore its cultural centers, and fully enjoy the excitement and convenience this remarkable city has to offer.