By Karin Petrescu, MFA2025
As an undergraduate student in London, finding suitable accommodation was one of the most significant challenges. With its vast size and high living costs, London can be overwhelming, especially for students unfamiliar with the city. This blog outlines my experiences during my time as an undergraduate student at the London School of Economics and later as a postgraduate student at London Business School, including the resources I used, the time it took to secure a place, and the areas I considered. Hopefully, this will provide some clarity and guidance for prospective students.
My Experience in London:
When I first moved to London as an undergraduate, I primarily relied on university-provided options. When moving out of student halls in second year, it was difficult to find adequate housing, but I engaged with online platforms and University support to find areas near Holborn. For LBS, my priorities had shifted slightly, as I now valued easy access to LBS in Marylebone and preferred private housing over student accommodations.
Resources I Used:
- LBS Housing Portal: LBS provides a housing group chat on its online platform, Meet LBS, where current students post available rooms or seek flatmates. This was incredibly useful for connecting with fellow students.
- University of London Housing Services (ULHS): This service can be helpful in learning about private renting options. It offers vetted landlords, housing fairs, and advice for students looking to rent in the city.
- Facebook Groups: Groups like “London Student Housing” were invaluable. Posts often included detailed descriptions, photos, and a way to directly contact landlords or tenants.
- Local Letting Agents: For the first time, I worked with letting agents like Foxtons and Chestertons. While they come with fees, they often have access to high-quality listings and can help with negotiations.
- Private Platforms: From my second year of undergrad, I moved to private housing and used platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla and SpareRoom to find an adequate location. SpareRoom was particularly useful for finding flatmates with similar requirements in terms of budget and location, which can be more affordable and convenient than renting alone.
- Flatmates.com: Finding like-minded flatmates was just as important as the flat itself. This platform allowed me to match with other students based on budget and lifestyle preferences.
Timeframe:
As a postgraduate, I had more experience and a better understanding of the London market. In previous years, I had started my search only a month before term started, which often led to me having to make offers on places that did not fit my requirements. But after going through this process for 3 consecutive years, I suggest you:
- Start searching for a flat about 2 months before the start of term.
- Make the process quicker by narrowing down your preferences early and acting swiftly to book viewings and make offers on available listings.
Locations Considered: Proximity to LBS meant focusing on North and West London neighbourhoods:
- Marylebone: The most convenient option, just a short walk to campus. However, rental prices here are among the highest.
- St. John’s Wood: Quieter and slightly more affordable than Marylebone, with excellent transport links.
- Camden: A more affordable area with access to bars, restaurants and various activities.
- Kilburn and West Hampstead: Further out but well-connected by the Jubilee Line, offering a balance between affordability and commute time.
- Bayswater: A centrally located area near Hyde Park, known for its diverse dining options and excellent transport connections.
Useful tips I’ve Learned:
- Start Early but Be Realistic: While starting early is important, in some cases listings for private rentals appear only a few weeks before they become available. If you’re looking too far in advance, you might find yourself frustrated.
- Council Tax: Make sure to apply for a council tax exemption when you move in, LBS provides you with proof of student status so that you can avoid paying the fee.
- Set a Budget (And Stick to It): London’s rental market can quickly overwhelm you with options that stretch your budget. Factor in utility bills, council tax (if your flatmate is not a student), and transport costs when setting your limits.
- Consider Flatshares: Sharing a flat isn’t just economical—it’s also a great way to meet people. Platforms like SpareRoom and LBS housing groups made it easy to connect with potential flatmates.
- Visit in Person (If Possible): Photos can be misleading. I always made sure to visit properties to see the apartment and the neighbourhood, and make sure that it fulfilled my requirements.
- Stay Flexible: While I had ideal neighbourhoods in mind, I learned to be flexible with my choices. Sometimes, a slightly longer commute meant finding a property that fit my budget and lifestyle better.
- Be Prepared for Upfront Costs: Many landlords renting to students may require 6 months’ rent upfront as a security measure, especially if you don’t have a UK guarantor. Plan your finances accordingly and discuss payment terms early in the process.
- Check Tenancy Agreements Carefully: Ensure you understand the terms of the tenancy agreement, including notice periods, maintenance responsibilities, and any additional fees, before signing.
Final Thoughts:
Finding accommodation in London is a challenging but manageable process with the right resources and planning. For students, university-provided options are often the easiest starting point, but private rentals can offer more flexibility as you gain confidence navigating the city. Whether you prioritize proximity, affordability, or lifestyle, there are flats in London which meet your requirements.
Websites to consider:
https://www.unitestudents.com/london
https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/london/home
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/
https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/
http://zoopla.co.uk
http://www.accommodationlondon.net/
http://www.primelocation.com/uk-property-to-rent/
https://www.spareroom.co.uk
http://www.visitlondon.com