If you are planning to study in London, you might also be wondering where you are going to live in your new university city. Booking student accommodation in London or any UK city requires a systematic approach. It is often suggested to reach out to experts who deal in student accommodation. There are other ways too, but these experts will filter out the best properties for you based on your budget, location, and suitable types. On this page, we have listed some easy steps to help you book your London student accommodation.
The Right Time to Book Uni Accommodation Is....
Students often ask about the right time to book university accommodation. This question is asked because the university accommodations or halls of residence offer only a limited number of beds. For example, at ICL, the total student strength is over 20,000 and the official halls of residence offer beds to only around 2,500 students.
This makes securing uni accommodation a challenging process. It is not complicated but there are only limited rooms. So, to secure a uni accommodation, there is a right time students must know of. The right time to book uni accommodation, suggested by experts, is 5 to 6 months before the commencement of your lectures. This will provide you with sufficient time to look for the options available and select the most suitable one.
Easy Steps to Book Student Accommodation in London
In this section, we will discuss some easy steps to book student housing in London. Students planning to study at a London university must follow these steps to successfully book the right student housing.
Start Early
London is a top study destination with over a half of million students enrolled the universities. Accommodation in London fills up fast, as every student wants to secure one. Consider it as a race, where only those with early applications have a chance of winning. The ideal time to book a student accommodation in London is 5 to 6 months before your enrollment.
Research Your Options
There are multiple types of student accommodation in London, and it is important that every student must be aware of them. By knowing the types of accommodation available, students can select the most suitable one.
Official Halls of Residence (On-campus accommodations)
Student Housing (Off-campus accommodations)
Private Housing (Off-campus accommodations)
Home Stays (Residential Homes)
Your Budget
Before finalizing student accommodation, one very important thing that every student must consider is their budget. As a top study destination, house rent in London is expensive. A 3-star student housing in London can cost between £750 to £900/ month. This is equivalent to the entire cost of living for some UK cities. Choosing a property within your budget will allow you to consider other expenses as well.
Refer to Accommodation Platforms
Student accommodation is a big market, with a market value of over $11 billion (as of 2021). A number of accommodation platforms have been established to assist students select the right property. One such platform is University Living. If you're looking for purpose-built student housing, University Living has many great and affordable options for you.
Understand the Contract
The tenancy agreement is an important part of your process to secure a London student agreement. It's a legal document stating your and property details. Make sure you understand all the details like the length of your stay, payment terms, cancellation policy, and the rules and regulations.
The Accommodation is Yours
To secure your London student accommodation, you are required to pay a deposit amount to the property owner or the accommodation provider. The deposit amount can vary based on the type of property and the monthly rent. University-owned accommodations charge £200 to £250, and student housings charge £300 to £400 as a deposit amount. Once the deposit is paid, the accommodation is yours.
10 Affordable Student Accommodation in London
London is a great place to live and study. It’s the capital of England, home to top universities, has incredible academic and career opportunities, and is known for multiple other reasons. The first step in choosing affordable student accommodation in London is to consider the affordable neighborhoods/ areas. Some of the most affordable areas in London are Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Sutton, Havering, Enfield, and Hillingdon. These areas have been known for affordable student housing options. Here are some of them:
The Valentine
Venus Studios
North Lodge Residence
Chelsea Lightfoot Hall
Arch View House
Surrey Quays Landale House
Grand Felda House
Olympic Way
Mannequinn House
North Lodge
Conclusion
Booking student accommodation in London requires you to make a roadmap and follow each step to secure the right property. You must check out the official halls of residence available on the university website, consider the types of accommodation and rooms suitable for you, reach out to private student housing platforms to check the available options, understand your budget and the lease agreement, and finally secure your accommodation. It’s a time taking process but it’s worth it.