Accoommodation in London

General Information

London is a wonderful place to live. The standard of accommodation is high. There are many different types of accommodation available for you if you are on a budget. The most common are home stay, backpackers' hostels and rented houses and rooms (or share houses).

A good website to search for available properties is
www.accommodationforstudents.com

At THE BSL we can assist you to find short-term or long-term accommodation either before you arrive, or during your time at THE BSL. To arrange accommodation, contact Student Services:

EMAIL: student services@thebsl.org.uk
PHONE: 020 7375 1098
FAX: 020 7375 1173

Home stay

A home stay is where you the international student would stay with a local family during the course of your studies. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your English skills if required, get to see life in a British family and learn more about the British way of life and culture. You will be welcomed as a member of the family and do things the whole family does, often including your own washing and cleaning! You can choose to have all your meals with the family or opt to buy your own food, in which the price would be different. The average price per week varies depending on which part of London you are in, but in Sydney for example the price might be as follows:

Full-board
- breakfast and dinner provided Monday to Friday, all meals at the weekend
- from £100 to £125 per week

Part-board
- you are responsible for your own meals
- from £75 to £100 per week

Backpacker hostels

Most backpackers choose to stay in a backpacker hostel, usually located in the centre of cities all over London. Usually you will stay in a 6 to 10 bed dormitory, sharing with both males and females. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are also shared. The prices tend to range from £15 to £25 per night. The standard of backpackers varies from place to place (even street to street!) but nowadays they are becoming pretty sophisticated and cater for all backpackers' needs, with internet cafes, travel and job centers, and a high standard of cleanliness and security throughout. Some of the larger hostels offer special deals to travelers and backpackers who intend to stay longer in a city whilst looking for work and ultimately share accommodation, such as 5 nights for the price of 4 and so on.

Rented houses and rooms (or share houses)

Probably the most popular option for backpackers and students alike, if you are staying in one place for some time, is to rent a house or room in a house. This offers you freedom to come and go as you please, cook your own meals and live as you want to without having to abide by anybody else's rules. One of the best ways to save money is to rent a house with other friends who are also students or backpackers, which is called a share house. You can then share the bills and cleaning costs with your housemates and if necessary put money together to buy furniture.

There are many ways of finding share accommodation, from national newspapers to notice boards in backpackers and international colleges around London. You can rent houses, apartments or townhouses and rooms from a real estate agent or private owners, many of whom advertise in the national newspapers. Usually you will need to sign a lease or at least pay a deposit of between approximately £100 to £300, as well as the first 4 weeks' rent. A deposit covers any breakages or damage to property and will be returned to you when you vacate the property, providing it has remained in good condition. These properties might be furnished or unfurnished.

The internet is a great source for finding shared accommodation.

Tips for Renting

Location
Is it within walking distance to local transportation and shops (unless of course you have a car)? Is it a safe area?
Is the price within your weekly budget?

Bond
Be prepared to allow for a bond and first 4 weeks' rent in your budget

Sharing
How many other people will you be sharing the house with?
How will you be dividing bills?
How will you sort out cleaning and cooking routines?

Be careful who you share with! Make sure you get on well and if studying in the evenings is what you want to do rather than listen to loud music until 3am, talk to your potential house-mates before signing a lease and/or paying a bond!

Facilities
Make sure the facilities are clean and you have enough room for a bed and desk for studying; if this is what you intend to do