**Securing a Place in London: My Journey and Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months have passed since I relocated to London, and although that might not sound extensive, I’ve gained valuable insights into residing in this vibrant city. London boasts a rich diversity in its communities and provides a plethora of accommodation choices for students. Whether you’re in search of student housing or private rentals, you can find a variety of options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can readily arrange in-person property viewings, whereas international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, evaluate amenities, and consider transport options.
### Selecting a Location
In my accommodation search, I intended to reside in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social gathering spots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London features an outstanding public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across various districts. Nonetheless, traversing between zones can be pricey, costing as much as £5.25 daily. To cut down on costs, I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of relying solely on public transport. Thankfully, options with the Oyster card help lower commuting expenses for students. The London Overground and National Rail services also extend beyond the Underground, reaching outer zones with different fare systems.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses. To alleviate costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably decreased our rent. I also chose intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with students of different backgrounds and similar ages—something harder to achieve in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a crucial factor. The prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide cheaper alternatives. Having essential shops and pharmacies in the vicinity proves particularly useful during hectic times, like exam periods, when time is at a premium.
### Discovering the Ideal Neighbourhood
Determining where to reside in London can be daunting, given the city’s multitude of cultural communities. Many international students gravitate towards areas that resonate with their heritage. For instance:
– **Southall (West London)** – Renowned for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores.
– **Brixton (South London)** – Celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End)** – A bustling area rich with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These represent merely a handful of the diverse cultural neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal living situation in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you navigate the accommodation search, embrace the city’s multicultural essence, investigate various neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of residing in one of the globe’s most vibrant cities.
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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/)