London is known for its cultural history, vibrant atmosphere, and endless opportunities. The city beckons aspiring students with its academic institutions and highly top-ranked universities. However, students often struggle with securing student accommodation in London; navigating the city’s bustling accommodation market can be a challenging task. Students feel lost within a big maze when looking for suitable accommodation, especially with limited time and a new territory. Rest assured, we’ll guide you through the whole process of what to do and what not to do. At the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to conquer the search and transform that difficult-to-catch flat into your homey London shelter for your next academic years.
Pre search preparation
- Budget
Before diving into the world and doing a frenzy of research, setting a certain budget for your accommodation is vital. It’s important to keep a realistic budget, and it has to include a couple of factors like transportation costs, utilities, rent, and potential agency fees. Afterwards, you can research the average rent cost in the area that you’d like to stay in. This step will lay the groundwork for your apartment search and give you an outline of what you’re looking for.
- Research
Although it may seem tedious and exhausting, it’s one of the most important steps you must go through when searching for student accommodation in London. Get familiar with the neighbourhoods in London and get them to match your personal and logical preferences. For example, search if you’d like to live in a vibrant or quiet neighbourhood, the transportation link to easily commute to your university, and the amenities you want, like Wi-Fi, cleaning service, and communal game rooms.
- Documents
You can’t go anywhere without your documents. Always have your passport with you wherever you go, a student ID, proof of income if it’s required, and the guarantor’s information (if needed).
Start your search
- Official University Accommodation
Often, university accommodations are the safest and most convenient one, as they’re either on campus or a few minutes away, and proximity is an essential factor when looking for accommodation. Many universities, like Imperial College London, offer on-campus accommodation or are partnering up with an accommodation provider. Other than being close to campus, university accommodations offer students greater amenities and facilities within the place they’re staying. The building can come with added benefits such as security, insurance, and all bills included.
It’s best if you start applying early to make sure you get the best accommodation with the greatest features. Imperial College London accommodation usually takes in applications early as well, so make sure you check the deadlines for any university accommodation you’re applying for and act accordingly.
- Online Platform
Utilise well-known online platforms like our website and many others, where you can easily search for your preferred accommodation. After you do your research and match your personal preferences with your set budget, you can easily apply filters on these online websites based on your desired area, room type (studio, shared flat, one-bedroom apartment), and facilities.
- Letting agencies
Local letting agencies can aid you in finding your accommodation, as they can connect you with available properties. Additionally, they can also find the best-hidden gems in apartments, as they’re very familiar with the area. Make sure you search the agency’s reputation before engaging with their service, and be mindful of potential fees.
Landing Your Flat
If you find your desired accommodation that matches both your budget and desired preferences, then congratulations! You’ve come a long way, and it’s time to secure and land that flat before it slips from your hands
Contact Landlords Quickly
It’s best to contact the landlords the minute you find a suitable apartment, think of this as you’re not the only applicant, and there are probably twenty other people applying like you. It’s best to create an opportunity as soon as possible. Express your interest via email or phone call. Be polite, concise, and professional, highlighting your suitability as a tenant. Also, ask any question you may have if the aid is not clear and doesn’t have your desired information.
Are you keen on delving into more widely-read blogs – University at Albany and University Adelaide and North Carolina and Student Living in New York in 2024 , University of Glasgow
Arrange Viewing
Your next step is to arrange a viewing of the flat, especially if it seems ideal. It’s best to view the property in person to locate any faults and know the status of the apartment; pictures can be deceiving sometimes. Dress appropriately and ask all the appropriate questions about the property rent, bills, and insurance.
Sealing the Deal
Congratulations! You’ve found a suitable apartment for you. You cut fifty per cent of the road, and now comes sealing the deal and signing all the documents.
Tenancy agreement
Before signing anything, you need to check and carefully read the tenancy agreement. Review the rent amount, payment terms, terms and conditions of the accommodation, the deposit details, the payment method, notice period, maximum lengths of stay, and any additional fees. Double-check everything and make sure that it still matches your preferences.
Guarantors
International students require a UK-based guarantor who agrees to cover their rent in case they fall behind on their payments. It’s best to explore a guarantor service early on if you can’t find one.
Some Additional Tips
- Be aware of Scams
The rental market is filled with scammers. You need to be careful while searching for and contacting landlords. Be careful of unrealistic deals that seem very alluring, requests for upfront payments without viewing, and any communication that feels off and suspicious. It’s best to trust your instincts and gut feelings, as young adults these days seem like an easy target for people to scam.
- Be Flexible
The London rental market can be very competitive, and many students are rushing to find an affordable one close to their university. It’s best if you allow yourself to explore some different options and areas if your initial desired preferences are not available.
In a nutshell, finding suitable student London accommodation can be exhausting, but we have provided you with the best tips and tricks to land one that meets your desired preferences. In addition to that, we laid out the whole process from start to finish, so you won’t feel like you’re lost. You can now easily secure your accommodation before your academic year starts and have a place that you can call home.