Students Living In London – Types Of Accommodation
Student living comes in all shapes and sizes in London. There are a few things to consider and to be aware of regarding accommodation scams when you're choosing the right place for you. Follow our tips and advice on the types of student accommodation in London to be safe!
There are three main options for student housing in London: university halls of residence, private university halls and student house and flat sharing. Photo by Kinga Chicewicz
It can be overwhelming figuring out where to start, so we've compiled a general outline on long-term student accommodation. Our article will outline all the basics you need to know about student living in London, that may differ to what you're used to. However, if you're looking for shorter-term living, our article on short-term accommodation might be more useful for you.
Living as a student in London comes with many benefits. While being exempt from council tax, if you're living in student accommodation, there might often be student discounts given out or displayed around for you to take advantage of. UniDays offers discounts in stores like ASOS, Microsoft, Misguided and many more and ranges all through fashion to health and beauty to technology.
Getting A Head Start In Your Hunt For Housing
The housing market in London is hugely competitive, so you'll need to make sure you're well organised in finding somewhere well in advance of your course start date. Photo by Yeo Khee
When you start looking for student accommodation, it's important that you know, or at least have an idea, of what it is you want, which areas you're interested in and which locations are best for you. If you're unsure about the different areas of London, read more about places to live in London. London student accommodation varies from flat-sharing to university halls to independent student living.
Read more about procedures to follow when renting in London.
University Accommodation – Halls Of Residence
Halls of residence is the universities own accomodation is is generally only offered to first-year students. Halls are a popular hub for parties and socialising. Photo by Brooke Cagle
University accommodation, like halls or houses, is typically applied for through your university. Make sure you find out when the application deadline is, as students usually secure housing up to a year before their course start date. Student halls consist of a private bedroom, typically with an en-suite, and a shared living area of up to eight others. Generally, only first-year students live in halls as places are limited.
Read more about why London was voted the best student's city.
House And Flat Sharing As A Student
Second and third year students' top choice is renting a private room in a shared house, usually with friends made the prior year in halls of residence, but it is also common to move in with total strangers. Photo by Behance
House sharing as a student is probably both the most common and cheapest form of student living in London. Generally, second and third-year students will choose to rent a house together with friends or coursemates from their university. You should go to a local estate agent and ask for available student housing lettings, where they will guide you from there. House sharing can be a great way to make friends.
Where To Look To Find Private Housing
If you're trying to secure housing in London from outside of the UK, then websites such as EasyRoomate, Spareroom and RoomBuddies will ensure you find the right house aswell as housemates! Photo by Matt Ragland
Websites like EasyRoommate, SpareRoom and RoomBuddies are all options if you're looking to find accommodation that already has current residents. Just remember, don't put down any payments before you've either met the people you're moving in with or have a physical contract to fall back on as a safety net.
As a student, you will need to provide a UK based guarantor who can step in and pay rent if you are unable to. As well as this, you'll usually need to put down a deposit to guarantee your reservation alongside one month's rent ahead of when you move in. You'll also need to apply for exemption of council tax yourself, which you can read further about here.
Read more about the top 9 reasons to move to London.
Independent Student Halls
A quick Google search will reveal a whole host of private options for renting student halls in the capital, where you will find living standards above par yet pricey. Photo by Bonnie Kittle
Independent student halls are very similar to university halls except that they are exactly what they say they are – independent from the university. They are generally a bit nicer, albeit more expensive than halls. A few independent accommodations are The Nido Collection with buildings in London and around the UK, Unilodgers, CRM Accommodation, Pure Student Living and Unite Students.
Read more about the ultimate guide to finding housing and accommodation in London.
With the many different options regarding accommodation, it boils down to personal preference. Student halls at your own university offer a different social environment than independent student living or flat sharing options, and it's completely up to what you want your university experience to be like.
If you've studied in London, where did you live? Let us know in the comments section below!
