How to Find Student Housing in London

Trying to find accommodation in a bustling city like London can seem daunting, but fear not. In this blog, we will discuss how you can find student housing in London without all the stress!

If you have eliminated university accommodation for any reason whether that be the amenities or the cost, don’t worry as private student accommodation has a lot of benefits and you will definitely find something that meets all your needs. 

Remember that where you choose to live can completely make or break your university experience. 

We have gathered all the tips to make this easy for you, from budgeting to viewing properties, so you can find your ideal home away from home with ease! 

Two girls talking in a student accommodation

Research Neighbourhoods

The best way to make your student accommodation search easy is by narrowing down what neighbourhoods best work for you.

While doing this, you can consider different options like proximity to the campus,  which zone you would like to live in, shops nearby and most importantly your budget.

Depending on your program, you might not even need to live that close to the main campus, so you would have a lot more options to consider!

Once you have a list of areas that you would like to consider, you will already have a better idea of how you can navigate this search.

If you are confused about what are some good areas to live in London, then read this blog on Best Areas To Live in London As A Student to get some ideas.

Person typing on a laptop

Set A Budget

One of the most important steps when it comes to finding student housing in London, is deciding how much you want to set aside for it. 

There is no doubt that London is a fairly expensive city to live in, so it is best to budget your finances before considering anything else. 

There are plenty of accommodation options in London that cater to every need. Whether you are looking for all the right essentials or if you fancy luxury features, we are certain that there are plenty of options for you to consider.

Person's hand using the calculator

Consider Transportation 

If you are considering accommodation that is not that close to the campus, then it is vital to consider the transportation options thoroughly before you decide on a place.

Be sure to check where the nearest bus stop and the train station near the accommodation is and how long it takes for you to get to campus. 

Be realistic with how much you are willing to travel because while 1 hour might not seem that long when you are looking for a house, it will certainly be long when you have to commute this distance every time you have classes.

Two girls on a bus and smiling

Use Online Platforms

There is arguably no better way to find student housing in London than by searching online. Once you have all the requirements ready, you can be specific with your search and browse through the range of properties that are within your desired location. 

While searching online, try your best to be as specific as you can and use terms like “student accommodation in London” as opposed to terms like houses or just rooms as you don’t want to get confused with rental properties.

Always check the images, and the reviews of the places as you browse through these properties so that you can make an informed choice. 

Girl looking at a laptop

Evaluate the Security

How safe the locality is is extremely important when looking for student housing in London. It is always advisable to check what level of security the accommodation offers and check how well-lit the area is at night. 

Your safety is more important than anything else so be sure to keep that on the top of the priority list when on the hunt for student accommodation. 

Read this blog on The Student Guide To Staying Safe On A Night Out to get some tips!

A woman at the reception helping the student with a bag

View Properties

While pictures are very useful to get an idea of how the accommodation looks, you can never solely rely on them when deciding on a place to live for a year or even more!

You should definitely view the property and check all the features out in person, before committing to a student accommodation.

A man and a woman viewing a property

Talk To The Students 

While you are viewing the property is the best time to talk to students who are currently living there. They will be able to give you the most unbiased reviews of the place better than any other online reviews.

So never miss a chance to talk to students who are living there as that might just save you from making a wrong decision!

A group of young students talking

Review Tenancy Contracts 

It is common for people to skip through reading the tenancy contracts cause it seems like tedious paperwork, but it’s very important to take your time and read the contract.

You need to be aware of all the conditions that must be followed as a tenant in that property. 

Some places are very particular about the guests, decorations and many other things that could easily slip your mind. So always be sure to thoroughly read the contract and even ask someone else to read it again so you can be assured that everything has been covered. 

Girl wearing a blue shirt planning on a book

We hope that you found this blog on how to find student housing in London helpful while navigating the complexities of finding the right accommodation.

Finding student housing in London can be a daunting task, but with careful research, planning, and consideration of key factors like location, budget, and amenities, it’s entirely manageable.

Be sure to check out our range of properties in London and beyond on the Homes for Students website

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