Accommodation

Living in the world’s best student city

If you have left it late, don’t worry – you can find well located short-term stays on Airbnb whilst you continue your search, made more affordable with a 10% student discount here.

When to start looking

The London rental market moves quickly, particularly in September when large numbers of students are arriving at the same time. Begin your search at least 2–3 months before your course starts.

Most landlords and letting agents will not advertise a property more than 6–8 weeks before it becomes available, so check regularly rather than searching once and waiting.

University websites also provide detailed information on accommodation options, so be sure to review these carefully before making any bookings.

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University halls

Some universities offer their own student accommodation or have partnerships with student halls. Check with your institution directly as early as possible, as places are limited and often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Purpose-built student
accommodation (PBSA)

Privately managed student residences operated by providers such as Unite Students, Chapter Living, or iQ Student Accommodation. These are popular with international students as they can be arranged from abroad, bills are usually included, and no UK guarantor is typically required. A deposit is usually required on booking.

PBSA is also worth considering as a first step, even if you plan to move into private rented housing later. Some providers offer shorter-stay or flexible contracts, which means you are not locked in for a full academic year. This gives you time to settle into London life, get to know the city, and find housemates before committing to a private rental.

Private rentals

Renting a room or flat through a letting agent or private landlord. This is often the most affordable option but requires more preparation, including references and usually a UK-based guarantor. A tenancy deposit (capped at five weeks’ rent) is required upfront in addition to your first month’s rent.

Private rental websites include:

Homestay

Living with a UK host family. This can be a good option if you want support settling into London life, with meals often included. Use a reputable, British Council-registered provider. Trusted options include:

London Homestays

Hosts International

Britannia Student Services

Guarantors

Most private landlords will ask for a UK-based guarantor, someone who agrees to cover your rent if you cannot. As an international student, you may not have a UK contact who can take on this role.

Your main alternative is a guarantor service: companies such as Housing Hand or Unipol act as a paid guarantor on your behalf for a fee. Check their websites for current pricing and eligibility.

Budgeting

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world for accommodation. As a rough guide:

Purpose-built student halls: £200–£350+ per week, usually bills included.
Homestay: £205–£325+ per week, usually meals and bills included.
Private room in a shared house: approximately £985 per month (roughly £227 per week), bills often included.

Staying Safe: Avoiding scams and mistakes

Rental scams are common, particularly targeting international students searching from abroad. Some things to be aware of:

Do not make a full year’s payment on a property.
Be cautious of listings that seem unusually cheap, or where the landlord claims to be abroad and cannot meet in person.
Use reputable platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, or established student accommodation providers.
If using a letting agent, check they are registered with a professional body such as ARLA Propertymark.
Always receive a proper tenancy agreement before paying anything beyond a holding deposit.
Check the location carefully. London is a large city, and commuting from outside it is not realistic on a student schedule. Make sure any property you consider is within Greater London and well connected to your university by public transport. Do not assume that a property advertised as “near London” is actually commutable. Check
Google Maps or Citymapper to check your commute times.

Some links on this page point to third-party sites and apps that we don’t own or run. We share them because we think they’re useful, but we can’t be held responsible for their content, pricing, or your experience with them, so it’s worth doing your own checks before you book or buy anything.