**Securing a Residence in London: My Journey and Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, I have gained substantial insights into the city and its housing landscape. London is an exciting and multifaceted city, presenting a plethora of lodging options and lively neighborhoods. Students have an abundance of choices, from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can easily arrange face-to-face viewings, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate transport connections.
### Deciding on a Location
In my quest for housing, I focused on securing a rental in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social venues, and, most importantly, the Imperial campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s extensive public transport system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting between zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Fortunately, options like the Oyster card significantly lower commuting costs for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, connecting outer zones with varying fare systems.
Residing in Central London entails considerable living expenses, but I managed to decrease my rent by sharing a room with a fellow university student. I preferred intercollegiate accommodation because it allowed me to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Being in proximity to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic exam periods when time is scarce.
### Establishing a Community
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities enrich its cultural tapestry, giving international students a sense of belonging. Many students look for areas that resonate with their home culture. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, found in the West End, serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples are just a glimpse of the diverse neighborhoods that London has to offer.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal living space in London varies based on personal preferences and priorities. Whether you seek affordability, cultural connection, or closeness to university, the city provides numerous choices. Embracing London’s diversity, discovering different communities, and taking advantage of its excellent transport links can assist you in finding the perfect place to call home.
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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/)