**Exploring Student Housing in London: My Journey**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not be perceived as an extensive period, it has provided me ample opportunity to gather important insights about this city. London is a lively and energetic hub, not only in terms of its extensive range of housing options but also thanks to the varied communities residing within it. Students have a wealth of accommodation opportunities at their disposal, ranging from student-centric housing to independent rentals. These choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange in-person apartment viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine potential residences online, view available amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.
As I embarked on my quest for accommodations, my main focus was to rent a room in Central London. I aimed to be close to the city’s key attractions, lively social areas, and importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an impressive transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to minimize my travel expenses, as going between zones can run up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. That being said, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making it easier on the wallet to commute to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that would have been tougher to achieve in private rentals.
Having easy access to grocery stores was crucial for me. The more prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Determining the ideal neighborhood for living can be quite a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, presenting a plethora of neighborhoods for exploration. Numerous international students often look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a vibrant South Asian community with countless Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Nestled in London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling hub showcasing an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the numerous culturally vibrant neighborhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home in this city, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the distinct cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
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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/)