Accommodation in London, United Kingdom for International Students

London is one of the world’s most dynamic and prestigious study destinations, home to globally renowned universities and a vibrant student community. For international students, securing the right place to live is the foundation of a successful experience in the United Kingdom. This guide is tailored to help first-time movers navigate the competitive and complex London accommodation market.

Finding student housing in London requires early planning, understanding the local rental landscape, and knowing which areas offer the best balance of cost, convenience, and community. Start your search as soon as you have accepted your university offer, as the best options are secured quickly.

Types of Accommodation Students Use in London

International students in London typically choose from three main types of housing, each offering different experiences, costs, and levels of independence.

University Halls of Residence (On-Campus Accommodation)

These are housing options managed directly by your university. They are often guaranteed for first-year international students and provide a straightforward transition to UK student life.

  • • Pros: Close to campus, inclusive of utilities and Wi-Fi, great for meeting people, and highly secure.
  • • Cons: Less flexibility, fewer location choices, and often higher cost compared to private options outside Zone 1 and 2.

Private Student Accommodation (PBSA – Purpose-Built Student Accommodation)

PBSA buildings are owned and managed by private companies. They are designed specifically for students and are popular due to their modern facilities and inclusive rent packages.

  • • Options: Shared rooms, private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and self-contained studios.
  • • Features: Often include gyms, dedicated study spaces, game rooms, and 24/7 support. Rent is typically inclusive of utilities and Wi-Fi.
  • • Note: While convenient, PBSA can be slightly more expensive than a traditional flat share, but the ease of inclusive bills is a major benefit.

Private Rentals (Flat Shares)

Renting a room in a shared private house or apartment (a flat share) is common, especially for students beyond their first year. This offers more independence but requires navigating the private rental market.

  • • Pros: Can be more affordable, especially outside central London (Zone 3+), and provides a deeper immersion into local life.
  • • Cons: Requires managing bills (gas, electricity, Wi-Fi, council tax exemption), dealing with landlords/agents, and securing furniture.

Student Rent Ranges (Low/Avg/High) + What Affects Price

London is known for its high cost of living, and accommodation will be your largest monthly expense. Prices vary significantly based on location and type.

Typical Weekly Student Rent Ranges (Estimate)

  • • Shared Room/Flat Share (Outer Boroughs/Zone 3+): £200 – £350 per week
  • • Private Room in PBSA/Zone 2: £250 – £430 per week
  • • Studio Apartment (Central/Zone 1-2): £400 – £600+ per week

Converted to a monthly range, students can expect to pay between £850 and £1,800 per month for rent, depending on their choices. For a comprehensive overview of securing housing across the region, consult a resource like our guide to Accommodation in Europe for International Students.

Factors That Affect Rent Price

The final cost of your rent depends on several key factors:

• Location (The Zone System): Central areas (Zone 1) are the most expensive. Prices decrease as you move outwards (Zone 3, 4, etc.). However, living further out increases commuting time and travel costs.

• Property Type: Studios and private apartments are always the most costly, while shared rooms are the most affordable.

• Inclusion of Bills: Accommodation with inclusive rent (utilities, Wi-Fi, sometimes laundry) is generally more expensive upfront but helps simplify budgeting.

Best Student Areas/Neighborhoods (Transport + University Proximity)

Choosing the right area balances your budget with your commute and lifestyle preferences. London’s public transport system (the Tube and buses) is excellent but costly, making proximity to your campus or a good transport link crucial.

Central and Academic Heart (Higher Budget)

  • • Bloomsbury: Home to UCL, SOAS, Birkbeck, and LSE. Highly academic, with world-class libraries. Very central and walkable to many facilities.
  • • King’s Cross/Angel & Islington: Excellent transport hub. Close to major universities. Has a vibrant, café-friendly, and cultured atmosphere.
  • • Kensington & Chelsea: Close to Imperial College London. Very safe, beautiful, but among the most expensive areas. Best for students with a higher budget.

Popular and Well-Connected (Mid-Range Budget)

  • • Camden: Known for its artsy, alternative culture, live music, and markets. Good transport links (Northern Line) to Central London universities.
  • • Hammersmith/Shepherd’s Bush: Well-connected by the Central Line, good for Imperial College students. Offers a good balance of amenities and student-friendly accommodation.

Budget-Friendly Areas (South & East London)

  • • Brixton/Elephant & Castle: Diverse and trendy areas in South London with a lively social scene and good access to universities like King’s College. Generally lower rent prices.
  • • Stratford/Greenwich: Located in East/South-East London. Offer more affordable, modern housing options and proximity to Queen Mary University and the University of Greenwich.

Documents Typically Required + How to Prepare

Securing accommodation in the UK, especially in the private rental market, requires certain legal documents and references. You must prove your ‘Right to Rent’ in England.

For international students, preparation involves gathering these documents:

  • • Passport and Visa (BRP/Digital Status): Required for the mandatory Right to Rent checks. If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will likely need to use a Share Code obtained from the government’s website to prove your status.
  • • Proof of Student Status: Your university acceptance letter (CAS/Unconditional Offer) or student ID.
  • • Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing you can cover the rent for the entire term or year.
  • • UK Guarantor (or International Guarantor Service): Landlords often require a guarantor (someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot). If you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, you will need to use a specialized guarantor service or pay several months’ rent upfront.
  • • Reference Letters: Previous landlord references (if applicable) and/or a character reference from an academic professional.

For detailed information on the necessary documentation for your relocation, please refer to our main page on Documentation Support in the United Kingdom.

Common Scams in London

The high demand for student housing makes London a target for rental scams. Be vigilant and look out for these red flags:

  • • Payment Before Viewing: Never send money, including deposits or holding fees, before you or a trusted representative have viewed the property in person or via a live video tour.
  • • Price Too Good to Be True: If a Zone 1 studio is priced significantly below market average (£250/week or less), it is likely a scam.
  • • Poor Communication: Listings with unprofessional grammar, reluctance to provide a contract, or pressure to “act fast” should be treated with suspicion.
  • • Lack of Deposit Protection: By law, all deposits must be protected in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS). Always ask for proof of protection.

Mistakes Students Make + Quick Checklist

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth transition:

  • • Underestimating Commute Times: London’s size means a 30-minute commute can easily become 60+ minutes during peak times. Always check travel links and transit costs before signing a lease.
  • • Booking Too Late: The best student halls and private rentals are often booked 6–10 months in advance. Start looking immediately after receiving your offer.
  • • Ignoring Lease Terms: Read the tenancy agreement carefully, especially clauses about notice periods, maintenance responsibilities, and early termination.

London Accommodation Checklist

  • • Start searching early (6+ months before arrival).
  • • Confirm if bills (utilities, Wi-Fi) are included in the rent.
  • • Verify the landlord/agent is legitimate and the deposit is protected.
  • • Secure a UK guarantor or plan for upfront rent payments.
  • • Use your student status to get an Oyster card for reduced travel costs.

How Luxe Settle Helps in London

Navigating London’s unique housing market can be overwhelming for international students. At Luxe Settle, we streamline the process by connecting you with verified, student-friendly accommodation that meets your needs and budget. We help you cut through the complexity of the UK rental system, offering support with pre-booked housing solutions so you can arrive knowing your secure home is waiting for you.

Whether you need a room near Imperial College, King’s College, or want affordable living outside the central zones, we handle the logistics, background checks, and administrative steps, ensuring a safe and reliable move. For assistance with all stages of your move, including finding and booking accommodation, see our primary guide: Accommodation in the United Kingdom for International Students.

Ready to secure your safe and verified student accommodation in London? Airport Pickup in the United Kingdom.