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Finding Private Accommodation in London

As the new academic year approaches, finding suitable accommodation is a top concern for new students, especially those coming from overseas. When I moved from New York City to London, I was fortunate to quickly feel at home, thriving in my academics, making new friends, and advancing my career. However, finding the right accommodation initially took a lot of work and persistence. Having gone through this experience myself, I want to share my journey and some helpful tips to make your search less stressful and more successful.

The Search Begins

My journey began in June on Facebook, where I decided to look for a flatmate. Sharing private accommodation with one or more flatmates can lower the cost of housing, but it was important to me to connect with the right people. There are a plethora of Facebook pages specifically for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø students that update with incoming classes each year. Whether you are a fresher or an international postgrad, there is a Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Facebook group just for you! I turned to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Postgraduate Students Facebook group, where I posted about looking for a flatmate. Here’s what I wrote:

"Hi Y’all! My name is Caroline. I am very excited to be joining Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø’s Creative Documentary MFA in the fall. I am currently looking for a flatmate to share a two-bedroom with me, within a 15-20 mins walking distance of campus. A little about me…

I included my budget, a bit about my lifestyle, and some pictures. Soon, I received a message from Mecca Donovan, who shared a similar budget and interests. Mecca's message read:

"Hello! I saw your post about looking for private accommodation. I’m looking at flats that are walking distance from the Bloomsbury campus and hoping to find someone with a similar budget. Let me know if interested! I think we’d get along well. I’m from LA, 23 years old, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and manifesting a sweet place to rent starting in September. I’ll be getting my masters in child and adolescent mental health and my programme is a year."

We quickly hit it off and decided to take on the flat hunting together.

The Flat Hunt

After finding a flatmate, it was time to look for a flat, which wasn’t easy. I began searching in early August to move in the beginning of September. I checked various online websites and called letting agencies about the listings I saw, while asking if they had any other properties to rent. After seeing 4-5 places, I finally found the right one in Bloomsbury. However, since my flatmate and I did not have UK guarantors, we paid our rent in six-month installments. This is something to keep in mind.

We moved into an unfurnished flat, but many flats in London come furnished, which can be cheaper than buying your own furniture.

Second Year Transition

For the second year of my master's, my program relocated to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø East campus, so it was time to move from central to east London. My housing search was a bit easier this time around. I lived with three people from my program in Bow, near Victoria Park. My roommates found the place while I was still visiting family during the holiday. They used Zoopla to start the search a month before our move-in date. We saw listings we liked and made appointments to view them. Living close to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø East Campus was convenient, and the 20-minute walk to campus was manageable. This flat was an Airbnb listed on Zoopla, which we rented for nine months, aligning with our program’s second year. This flat came fully furnished, which made moving out a lot easier! We did have to pay all nine months of rent upfront with monthly bills.

During this time, I also got a bike. If you are comfortable riding with cars, I highly recommend it as it has opened up London to me!

Tips for New Students

• Start Early: Begin your search well before your move-in date. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have. I recommend starting your search for a flatmate as soon as you accept your offer. Begin your flat search 4-6 weeks before you arrive in London.
• Find That Flatmate: Reach out to your program director to connect with other new students and ask if anyone is looking for flatmates. Try to meet other students and connect with your Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø community before you arrive on campus.
• Use Online Platforms: Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla are great for finding property listings. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are excellent for finding flatmates. Utilise Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø-specific Facebook groups to make connections.
• Call Brokers Directly: Don’t hesitate to call brokers directly; they often have additional options that may not be listed online. Arrange viewings for when you arrive in London by contacting letting agencies in your desired area.
• Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Furnished flats are convenient as they save you the hassle of buying and moving furniture. Unfurnished flats allow you to personalise your space but come with the added task of furnishing.
• Be Mindful: Always be careful and check for all the costs and conditions of the flat. Have yourself or someone you trust see the flat in person before signing a lease to avoid scams. Also, remember to factor in utility bills and other expenses to your budget.
• Get a Bike: London is a bike-friendly city. Having a bike made commuting easier and more enjoyable.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Resources

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø offers several resources to help you find private accommodation. Check out this to understand the key things to check with the property and your contract before you sign anything. You can also use for an appointment with one of their advisors to review any documents. The Student Union provides a comprehensive guide to finding private accommodation, including a of everything you need to know.

Lastly, explore this Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø News article from last year, which breaks down twenty major neighborhoods in London, including budgets, activities, and area descriptions.

Finding accommodation in London can be daunting, but with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. Start early, use all available resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Good luck, and welcome to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø!

Still need further guidance on finding private accommodation in London? 

Check out the links below:

• Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Accommodation
• The Private Accommodation Housing Podcast
• Alternative Accommodation for Students 

Image Credit

Photographer: Mary Hinkley
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