**Discovering a Home in London: My Journey and Recommendations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I relocated to London, and while that might not appear to be a lengthy period, I’ve gained considerable insights about residing in this vibrant city. London boasts not just diverse cultures and communities but also an extensive variety of housing options for students. Whether you seek student accommodations or private rentals, you’ll uncover possibilities including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly straightforward, whereas international students can browse online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore potential places, their amenities, and distance to public transportation.
### Deciding on a Place to Live
In my quest for a place, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between various neighborhoods.
Since inter-zonal travel can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, I sought to minimize transportation expenses by walking shorter distances rather than taking the Tube or buses. However, the Oyster card options significantly lower commuting fares for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, reaching outer zones with different fare structures.
Residing in Central London entails significant expenses, but I was lucky to have a friend attending university alongside me. We opted to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that might be more difficult to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Living close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Some of the leading supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies within reach is incredibly convenient, especially during exam times when time is at a premium.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Identifying the perfect neighbourhood can be challenging, as London is home to numerous ethnic communities that enrich its cultural fabric. Many international students seek areas that evoke a sense of home.
– **Southall (West London)** – Renowned for its large South Asian population, this area has Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton (South London)** – Recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown (West End)** – A bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These are merely a few instances of London’s varied neighbourhoods, each providing a distinct cultural experience.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you emphasize affordability, closeness to university, or cultural resonance, the city caters to everyone’s needs. When on the lookout for accommodation, celebrate London’s diversity, investigate different neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunity presented by this exhilarating city.
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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/)