By Josie (Ya-Ching) Yu, MFA2025
For many incoming students at London Business School (LBS), finding the right accommodation in London can feel like an intimidating process. Starting early — ideally around March — can be crucial. Not only does it take time to get a sense of various housing options, but it also helps you understand and adjust your budget once you see what’s available. Additionally, if you’re considering sharing a flat, finding compatible flatmates also takes time. Here, I’ll share some insights into student housing versus private housing to help you decide which option suits you best, along with my journey, tips, and considerations that may help you secure the ideal place.
Student Accommodation vs. Private Housing: Pros and Cons
Student Accommodation
- Pros: Student accommodations like Unite Wembley offer convenience and simplicity. Rooms often come fully furnished, utilities are usually included, and they may provide additional amenities such as gyms, communal areas, and study rooms. Living here means a guaranteed spot with minimal effort, and Wembley is only 2-3 tube stops from campus.
- Cons: Living in student accommodation can mean less choice in terms of location and may come with higher costs compared to finding a private rental with flatmates. Also, student accommodations are typically farther from campus, which means you might miss out on spontaneous events and save less time on commuting.
Private Housing
- Pros: Private housing gives you flexibility in choosing the exact location, size, and type of property. You can pick an area closer to campus, such as St John’s Wood, Marylebone, or Regent’s Park, where many LBS students prefer to live. Additionally, sharing a flat with other students can often be more cost-effective than student housing.
- Cons: Securing a private rental requires effort, particularly with searching for a place, coordinating with flatmates, and managing rental agreements. Flats near campus are in high demand, so you need to act quickly once you find a good option.
My Housing Journey: Early Planning and Teaming Up
Initially, I considered staying in Unite Wembley since it was only a couple of tube stations away from campus and offered the perk of having my own bathroom. However, I soon decided to make it my backup choice, as living closer to campus seemed more convenient. Looking back, it was the right decision—there’s always something happening on campus, and being nearby has saved me a lot of commuting time.
After deciding on private housing, I teamed up with another LBS graduate student. We began our search using common UK housing platforms like Zoopla, Rightmove, SpareRoom, and OnTheMarket. Eventually, we found a flat near the LBS campus and secured it with another student we met online. Starting our search early gave us an advantage, as good properties are often booked quickly after being listed. In our case, the agent gave us just three days to find a third flatmate before securing the property, as there was another group on the waitlist.
Timing and Pricing: The Trade-Offs of Starting Early
I began looking in March and was able to finalise our flat by May. Some students secure their accommodations later, in July or even August. While more options may appear on platforms later as graduating students move out, prices tend to rise closer to the start of term due to increased demand. It can be a balancing act between having more choices and potentially higher costs. Also, the closer it gets to the start of classes, the more stressful the search becomes, so I recommend starting as early as possible in the year.
Where Do Most LBS Students Live?
Many LBS students choose neighbourhoods close to campus. St John’s Wood, Marylebone, and Regent’s Park are popular areas due to their proximity and vibrant communities. If you’re open to commuting, you’ll find students living further out as well, typically within a 20 to 40-minute journey by public transport.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I am pleased with the flat I found. Starting early, teaming up with fellow students, and searching consistently allowed us to secure a place that fits our needs. Hopefully, these insights will help you in your search, and I wish you all the best in finding a space you can call home during your time at LBS!