Students

A Guide to Renting for Uni Students In London

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University Student Accommodation in London

A Guide to Renting University Student Accommodation In London

If you are moving to London as a university student, then you will be looking for accommodation. This may seem like a daunting prospect as there is so much to consider.

Don’t worry! In this guide, you can learn about the important things you need to know about renting in London. You can then concentrate on enjoying student life.

Deciding If You Want To Share

The first thing to decide is if you wish to share or have your own space. A great part of student life for many is sharing with other students and building lifelong friendships. This isn’t for everyone though; you could consider the following –

  • Rent a property by yourself
  • Rent a room in a house with non-students

Location, Location, Location

The great thing about living in a big city like London is the transport infrastructure is fantastic. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to live near your university. You should be able to choose any location and get to your classes comfortably on time.

Ideally, try to find a home that is on the same tube line as your university. Sometimes it’s quicker to travel further on one line than having to change!

Depending on your budget you could find a great place anywhere in London. Don’t wait till the last minute otherwise your preferred options may be gone, aim to look for a place at the latest 6 weeks before your course starts.

Money

Living in London can be expensive. It is vital you know your budget so you can effectively manage your finances. The rent payment will be a big part of your budget. Also, some rentals include certain bills which
can make life easier for you.

Other bills you need to keep in mind for your budget include –

If you can, find out the cost of these bills before renting. This means you can accurately work out your budget to know if the rental is affordable.

Paperwork

Many rentals require a credit check and references. You may also need to provide the following paperwork –

  • Bank statements, usually dated within the last 3 months
  • Proof of university enrolment
  • A reference from a professional such as a doctor or teacher

In some situations, such as if you are a first-time renter, you may have to get a guarantor. A guarantor is someone that confirms they will pay the rent if you are unable to.

Contracts

Once everything is agreed you will need to sign the contract for the rental. This is usually known as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. It is important you read the document and understand it before signing.

The contract will detail all aspects of the rental including who is responsible for which bills, any furniture at the property, and when the rent is due. If you are unsure about any part of the contract, then ask your letting agent or landlord to clarify.

Deposit

To secure a rental property you normally must pay a deposit. Typically,   this is the equivalent of a month’s rent. At the end of the rental period, the deposit is returned to you provided there are no damages to the property. If there is any damage, then all or part of the deposit may be kept by the letting agent or landlord to cover repairs.

Moving into University Student Accommodation

If you follow the advice in this guide you can navigate the rental process much easier. All you need to do now is move in and enjoy being a student in London!

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