**Discovering 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 it might not appear to be an extensive period, I have gained considerable insights about the city and its housing options. London is an energetic and multicultural city, presenting a variety of accommodation choices for students. Whether you’re inclined toward student residences or private rentals, there are plenty of alternatives, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, reserving an apartment viewing is quite straightforward. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine available facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
### Selecting a Living Space
As I looked for accommodation, my preference was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major sights, social venues, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the initial two being the most central. The city boasts a fantastic public transport system, encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between various locations.
To economize, I aimed to reduce travel expenses since trans-zonal commutes could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I favored walking shorter distances rather than using the Tube or buses. However, Oyster card options substantially lower commuting costs for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Travel rates on these services differ based on distance and the fare regulations of each train operator.
Living in Central London can be pricey due to its closeness to major sites. Thankfully, I was going to university with a friend, so we opted to share a room, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I also chose intercollegiate student accommodation in hopes of connecting with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would be harder to encounter in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessary Stores
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Some of the widely recognized supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies close by is incredibly handy, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Choosing the Ideal Neighborhood
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood is a vital choice. London’s ethnic communities add to the city’s rich cultural diversity, providing a range of lively areas. Numerous international students search for neighborhoods that mirror the culture of their home country.
For instance, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling zone rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of London’s varied neighborhoods.
### Concluding Thoughts
The optimal place to reside in London depends on your individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for accommodation, embrace the city’s diversity, investigate its cultural neighborhoods, and capitalize on the convenience and excitement that London provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*