If you have failed to reserve accommodation in your university’s halls of residence or you merely don’t like to live there, renting an apartment or shared house in London is your best option. As a student, you need a place that is safe, budget-friendly, and near your school, so you can have a great experience in this famous city. Good thing, there are a lot of private rental properties to choose from in and around the city.
Students in their second year of schooling and onwards are the usual tenants in London student apartments for rent. Young professionals also find these accommodations the most convenient and reasonable options. Here is a quick guide to help you understand your options.
London rented accommodation
In London, you have the option to rent an apartment unit or a room in a shared house. Many university students go for the latter option because shared accommodation helps save on costs. Also, it is a great way to make new friends, which can be very helpful when you’re new in the city.
In the case of a shared house, you have your room, but you share other household amenities with other tenants – bathroom, kitchen, and common areas. While such is looking are fully furnished, you may need to provide your household and personal items for your bedroom and kitchen. It is also important to keep in mind fees other than your monthly rent. Other costs include electricity, water, and gas bills. You will also have to pay for your TV license, internet, and telephone connection.
Finding your place in London
While there are many accommodations in London, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to find one that best suits your needs. Your options can be quite overwhelming, and you have a number of factors to consider and aspects to compare. The wisest thing to do in most cases is look for short-term accommodation first. Much like a tourist, look for temporary housing as you explore your options around the city.
Also, there is a great demand for accommodation in the place. Other than tourists and businesspeople, a lot of international students flock to London to get their piece of it. London is hailed the most in-demand city for student accommodation. In other words, there can be quite fierce competition when it comes to real estate.
If you need help with finding a suitable apartment or house for rent, contact your school’s accommodation office. Ask if they can provide you with a list of student-friendly rental properties as well as their locations and the owner’s contact details. In many cases, they will gladly help you.
You can also find private student halls near your university. While these residences are more expensive than university-owned ones, they are a great place to practice your social skills. Students from different universities and even from different nations reside in these properties, creating an interesting mix of culture.
Another smart move when looking for the right student accommodation is to make an online search. This should help you find a lot of options. List your top choices and start visiting them one by one until you find the best place for you.
A lot of experiences await you in London. Start by finding your place in it. With the right apartment or house, you can live a comfortable life, juggling student life and the busy city life as a true Londoner would.
