How To Find Housing in London as an International Student

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities. With top-tier universities, world-famous landmarks, sprawling green spaces, and rich cultural heritage, it’s little wonder it’s also one of the world’s most popular study destinations.

Studying in London as an international student offers an experience like no other. It’s home to almost 200 museums and countless art galleries, giving it one of the world’s highest concentrations of cultural institutions. What’s more, the city is a thriving hub for industries from tech and finance to fashion and media, with lots of post-graduation employment opportunities.

All this makes it difficult for students to find housing in London. However, with the right strategy and mindset, finding your ideal home away from home in the UK capital is possible.

Here are the best tips from MASTERGRADSCHOOLS for finding international student housing in London. 

5 Key Tips for Finding Student Housing in London

1. Start Early

When finding student housing, timing is everything. This is especially true in London, where the housing market moves quickly, and the best apartments are taken within a day of being listed.

We recommend starting your search months before you are scheduled to begin your master’s program. Large numbers of students arrive to study in the UK in September. Most of these students secure their accommodation by the summer. So, get ahead of the curve and begin your search as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from your school.

It’s a good idea to create profiles for various student housing platforms, sign up for their newsletters, and set up notification alerts. That way, you’ll be the first to know about new listings.

Word of mouth is still valuable, even in the digital age. If you know anyone already living in London, ask them to reach out to their network to see if accommodation is available.

2. Check What Your University Offers

Many of the UK’s top universities offer high-quality on-campus accommodation. A majority of these come on a first-come, first-served basis or through a lottery system to manage high demand. 

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers on-campus student halls and private residence halls. They have partnerships with accommodation providers such as Urbanest and Sanctuary Students.

Another London university, Imperial Business School, offers self-catered halls in Kensington, as well as private halls with providers like Scape and Zebra Housing. They even offer high-end accommodation with Student Luxe.

Many London universities offer accommodation to international students. However, this doesn’t always apply to all applicants, so it’s important to search for your own accommodation.

Be sure to check your university’s website for more information and keep an eye on its social media channels for accommodation advice.

3. Make Use of Reliable Housing Platforms

Several websites cater specifically to students in London. These are some of the most well-known housing platforms in the UK capital:

  • SpareRoom is London’s most popular accommodation site, ideal for international students looking for shared housing.
  • AmberStudent offers verified listings and support for international students looking for studio or shared apartments.
  • UniHomes is a trusted provider that offers an excellent range of accommodation, with apartments that come with bills included.
  • GoBritanya provides fully furnished ensuite rooms and studios with all-inclusive bills, 24/7 security, and flexible contracts.
  • Studentpad provides vetted listings, including exclusive listings not found elsewhere. You can set up property alerts that let you know immediately when new housing becomes available.

These housing platforms are all respected and highly rated on TrustPilot. However, it’s always important to do your own research and use your best judgment when searching for university accommodation.

4. Networking is Key: Join the Right Groups and Communities

Social media is a very useful tool for finding a room in London. Lots of people find student accommodation in London on Reddit, in Facebook groups, and within WhatsApp channels for London housing. 

Here are some examples to get you started:

Online platforms give you first-hand experiences from international students. They are useful for tips or offers that you might not find on traditional housing websites. 

5. Safety First: Know What You’re Renting

It’s important to be aware of scams when looking for student housing in London. Whether you’re searching on a verified platform or on social media, here’s what to look for.

Typical Red Flags When Renting in London

  • Requests for upfront payment before viewing the apartment
  • Deals that seem too good to be true (check similar apartment prices in the area to compare)
  • Location that doesn’t show up on Google Maps
  • Lack of property documentation, such as an EPC
  • Requests for confidential information before you’ve signed the rental agreement
  • Pressure from landlords to sign documents
  • Unusual payment methods, such as Western Union transfer or payment to a foreign bank account
  • A deposit that is higher than two months’ rent

London Calling: Finding Your Home in the UK Capital

Finding student accommodation in London takes planning and persistence. The earlier you begin looking for your ideal home away from home, the better luck you’ll have during the search process. Don’t forget to use every resource available, from your university’s official channels to online housing platforms and student communities.

Once you’ve secured your London student housing, you’ll be free to focus on making the most of a life-changing experience in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Get real insight into studying a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, explore schools, and read previous articles.