London is a city that bursts with lots of history and culture, not to mention various exciting opportunities, especially for international students. The city also boasts world-class, renowned universities, making it a coveted destination for students. In the middle of your excitement upon your acceptance into one of London’s universities, you’ll be faced with the next step of finding your perfect home. But do not worry, as in this guide, we’ll provide you with the best practices to find your perfect Student Housing in London.
Budgeting for Your London Accommodation
As previously mentioned, London is an extremely desirable place to live, especially for working ex-pats and students, which is why the city can be pricier than others, not to mention that it is also the UK’s capital. But do not worry, as there are various ways in which you can minimise your costs; some of these ways are as follows:
- Considering your finances: These include various ways you get your financing, such as (part-time jobs and parental support/sponsorship).
- Consider your costs of living: carefully consider transportation, food, and utilities.
- Actively seek out scholarship opportunities or financial aid offered by your institution.
Making Your Choices – Location Vs. Costs
Location is an important decision factor, with more central areas being the most desirable. However, this desirability comes at a cost, with their costs being much higher than options outside the city centre. What we advise the most is finding student areas that are both student-friendly and on a budget; they should also be well-connected. Some of our top recommendations matching this category would be areas such as Islington, Peckham, and Camden.
Student Halls, PBSA, or Private Lets?
The next important decision to make while looking for student accommodation in London is whether to consider private lets, PBSAs (Purpose-built student accommodation), or University Halls. To decide, we must consider the pros and cons of each option.
Student Halls
Student halls are often the main choice for many students, as these are primarily designed for students from a specific university and will be a great way to meet fellow students. They are also convenient as they are often near campus or even, at times, on campus. That’s not all; they also often have support services and staff that can assist you with academic and personal matters.
On the downside, they may be stricter than other accommodation options, may be smaller than other options, and may be pricy for their convenience. They also are not flexible in terms of application dates and have limited availability.
PBSA (Purpose-built student accommodation)
PBSAs are another extremely popular option for those looking for London student accommodation options. They often have modern facilities, including gyms, laundry, and social facilities. They also often have all-inclusive bills so that you do not have to pay additional utility fees; they also have modern security features and on-site staff.
On the downside, they may be expensive; however, their all-bill-included policy makes it easier to budget, and they may have longer contract periods compared with private options.
Private Lets
Private Lets are the most affordable option and give you the most independence; not only that, but they also have the widest variety of options. On the other hand, you’ll be liable for utility bills unless bills are included. You’ll also sometimes have to find other flatmates to split the rent (if allowed or required), and you’ll have fewer services and facilities than PBSAs and university halls.
You should also consider additional factors such as the area, commute times, and your desired social life, with PBSAs having a more active and lively social life.
Finding Your London Home
After considering your location and budget, the important part comes, which is all the searching tools and techniques that you can use to find your perfect London home. Among the various resources available are university websites, Student Housing websites, letting agencies, and social media groups.
Many universities have their own university-managed accommodation options, which can be visible on their website. At the same time, Student Housing websites also offer student housing options; if you’re willing to pay an additional fee, you can also consider letting agent websites; social media can also be an effective way to search for accommodation, but be wary of scams.
You can also rely on Casita.com, which has verified listings with reputable partners and expert staff that will assist you in your search for your London Student Housing completely free of charge. At Casita, you’ll also find a wide range of accommodation options, from PBSAs to co-living spaces and private accommodation options, so make sure you check the website and contact Casita’s expert staff.
Reading Between the Lines
It is essential that you read between the lines when making a booking, as minor details can make a major difference, so always check if bills are included. If you’re supposed to pay council taxes (full-time students are usually exempt), make sure you also check the deposit amount, as well as read your tenancy agreement carefully.
Viewing the Property and Asking Questions
You should not just read the fine print; we also encourage you to have viewings and ask questions. In today’s age, viewings have never been easier, with many properties offering virtual viewing options, ranging from virtual viewing links with a 3D model of the accommodation to even Zoom or Skype tours; you can also ask for additional photos.
You should also make sure that you have a guarantor when required so that you can pay for installments or maybe rely on guarantor services such as housing hand. Make sure you also check the safety of the area and document any damages to the property before moving in; you can also check the landlord’s legitimacy.
If you decide to proceed with Casita, ensure that all of Casita’s landlords go through background checks and deal with some of the biggest UK housing market providers, who are both professional and safe through various security measures.