Finding shared student accommodation in London can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry – it’s easier than you think.
London’s housing market seems scary for new students. Shared accommodation is your best friend here. It cuts costs and helps you make new friends. Student Halls London has great options to check out too.
1. Start Your Search Early
Start looking for places early. Begin at least four months before you need to move in.
Early birds get the best deals. They also have more choices. Most new properties come up between February and May.
Popular areas fill up fast. Starting early means no rushed decisions. You can take your time to find the perfect spot.
2. Consider Living in Zones 2-4
Zone 1 is right in the center of London. It’s close to everything but costs more.
Look at Zones 2-4 instead. These areas are much cheaper. Places like Stratford, Mile End, and New Cross work great.
You’ll still have good transport links. The money you save is worth the extra travel time.
3. Use Multiple Accommodation Platforms
Don’t stick to just one website. Check out different platforms.
SpareRoom and Rightmove are popular choices. Your university website has options too. Social media groups often have hidden gems.
Join Facebook groups for students. Look for “London Student Accommodation” groups. University-specific groups work well too.
4. Share with Existing Friends
Going solo costs more. Sharing with friends saves money.
You already know their habits. This means fewer surprises and conflicts. You can hunt for places together.
The best student accommodation marketplace sites give group discounts. Apply together and save even more.
5. Look for Bills-Inclusive Options
Some places include all bills in the rent. This covers electricity, water, and internet.
It makes budgeting much simpler. No surprise bills at the end of the month. You know exactly what you’ll pay.
These places might look pricey at first. But they often work out cheaper overall.
6. Time Your Move-In Strategically
September is peak moving time. Everyone wants places then.
Try moving in July or August instead. More properties are available. Landlords are more flexible with prices.
Some give discounts for early move-ins. Longer contracts often mean better deals too.
7. Negotiate Group Discounts
Don’t be shy about asking for discounts. Landlords like filling whole properties with students.
Bring your group to viewings. Ask about group rates. Mention you’re all reliable students.
Some places offer extras like cleaning services. Others might reduce the deposit.
8. Check What’s Included in Rent
College accommodations come fully furnished. They have beds, desks, and storage.
Check what’s included before you decide. Furnished places save you buying furniture. This saves both money and hassle.
Look for basics like:
- Bed and mattress
- Study desk and chair
- Wardrobe and shelves
- Kitchen equipment
9. Consider Different Room Types
Private rooms cost more. Shared rooms are budget-friendly.
Twin rooms work great with close friends. You split the cost but share the space. This cuts your housing costs significantly.
Think about whether you need complete privacy. Many students find shared rooms perfectly comfortable.
10. Budget for Hidden Costs
Rent isn’t the only expense. Factor in extra costs too.
Most places want a security deposit upfront. Some charge agency fees. You’ll need contents insurance.
Don’t forget transport costs to university. Add up everything before making your choice.
Popular Budget-Friendly Areas for Students
Some areas work better for students on budgets. Here are the top picks:
Stratford has great transport links. The Olympic Park is right there too.
Mile End sits close to Queen Mary University. It’s perfect for their students.
New Cross works well for Goldsmiths students. The area has character.
Elephant and Castle are improving fast. Transport connections are excellent.
Lewisham offers a quiet residential feel. It’s cheaper than central areas.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs:
Huge upfront payments before you see the place. This screams scam.
Prices way below market rate seem too good to be true. They usually are.
Landlords who won’t give references are hiding something. Walk away.
No proper tenancy agreement leaves you unprotected. Always insist on one.
Properties in terrible condition during viewings won’t magically improve later.
Making the Most of Shared Living
Shared living isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making lifelong friends.
University is the perfect time to meet new people. Your flatmates might become your best friends. Some even become business partners later.
Set house rules early. Respect shared spaces. Communicate openly about problems. This makes everything run smoothly.
Final Money-Saving Tips
Here are some extra ways to save money:
Cook together with your flatmates. Share grocery costs and cooking duties.
Split subscriptions for Netflix, Spotify, and other services.
Use student discounts for transport. Get an 18+ Student Oyster Card.
Buy second-hand furniture from students who are graduating. Check Facebook Marketplace.
Join university societies for free entertainment and activities.
Conclusion
Finding shared student accommodation in London takes some work. But it’s totally doable with the right approach.
Start early and be flexible about location. Use multiple websites and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
Think about transport costs and what’s included in rent. Factor in the social side of shared living too.
These tips will help you find great shared accommodation. You’ll save money and have an amazing university experience in London.
