Moving to a new city as an international student is never easy, especially when your destination is a metropolitan city like London. There are so many things you don’t know, especially about housing, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can be costly.

From dealing with landlords to navigating leases, not having the right information could easily cause issues that may not be so easy to resolve.

In this post, we will highlight 10 common housing issues that international students often face in London so you can try your best to avoid them.

Key Takeaways

• From student housing shortages to exorbitant rent prices, international students in London often face several housing issues. Poor maintenance, unresponsive landlords, and other issues students can face in London are also some other housing issues.

• These issues often affect international students who want to live in off-campus private accommodations the most. This is because these students have to deal with the housing market and landlords directly as opposed to the university handling everything, as in the case of on-campus accommodations.

• The best way to avoid most student housing issues in London is to ensure you rent from reputable property companies with a great track record of serving international students in the city. These companies specifically deal with international students, so they fully understand your needs and requirements.

• Student Luxe is a reputable and experienced luxury student accommodation provider in London. This platform provides access to the best student apartments in London located in the best neighbourhoods near many iconic university campuses. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.

10 Housing Issues International Students Face in London

International students in London usually face many housing issues that can severely impact the overall quality of their experience in the city. Here are ten of the most common issues and how to handle them.

1. High Rent Prices and Budget Constraints

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and rent prices for student accommodations are no exception. Popular student areas such as Bloomsbury, Camden, and King's Cross tend to have steep rental costs, with luxury student apartments starting from £650 per week. For international students, the situation can be even more challenging due to the fluctuating exchange rates and higher upfront costs such as deposits and agency fees.

How to handle it:
Students with budget constraints can consider looking for shared accommodation. Exploring more affordable areas such as Acton, Hounslow, or New Cross can also work, especially if they have good transport links to the university.

2. Student Housing Shortages

The demand for student accommodation in London often exceeds supply, especially at the start of the academic year. This shortage means that many students struggle to find suitable housing, forcing them to either settle for less ideal options or delay their move until they secure a place.

How to handle it:
Start your accommodation search as early as possible, ideally months before the semester begins. Use your university’s accommodation services, as they often have partnerships with reputable housing providers. Exploring private student accommodations or local letting agencies that specialize in student rentals can also expand your options.

Student Luxe Tip: You can also use Student Luxe to book last-minute private student accommodation in London. This platform makes it easy to find suitable accommodation even when you start looking at the last minute.

3. Finding Accommodation Close to Campus

London’s layout can make it difficult to find housing that is close to campus. Sometimes, students attending UCL, LSE, and KCL have to deal with long commutes if they don’t live on campus or in apartments close to the institution. Commuting can eat into study time and reduce overall student satisfaction.

How to handle it:
Try to find accommodation in transport-friendly areas such as King's Cross, Farringdon, or Waterloo, which have excellent connections to multiple universities. Wealthy international students often use Student Luxe to find private student accommodations closer to their universities in London.

4. Poor Property Maintenance and Unresponsive Landlords

Many students face maintenance issues in their rented properties, such as leaking roofs, damp walls, or malfunctioning heating systems. Unfortunately, some landlords or property managers may be slow to respond or neglect maintenance requests altogether, leaving students frustrated and in unhealthy living conditions.

How to handle it:
Always inspect properties thoroughly before signing a lease and document any existing damages. If maintenance issues arise, put your requests in writing and keep a record of all communications with your landlord. If problems persist, students can seek assistance from their university’s housing office, the students’ union, or local tenant advisory services.

5. Difficulty in Getting Deposits Back

Deposit disputes are a common issue faced by students, especially when landlords or letting agents unfairly withhold funds for minor damages, cleaning fees, or maintenance costs. This causes financial strain on students at the end of the tenancy.

How to handle it:
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) protects students by ensuring deposits are held securely and returned fairly. To avoid disputes, document the property’s condition with photos and videos when you move in and again when you move out. Keep a copy of the inventory and report any issues immediately. If a dispute arises, you can raise a claim with the TDS for resolution.

6. Limited Space and Overcrowded Accommodation

Many student accommodations in London are small and lack adequate space for living and studying. Overcrowding is also a concern in shared flats or houses, which can lead to a cramped environment.

How to handle it:
Before signing a lease, ensure that the property provides sufficient space for your needs. Look for accommodations that offer communal study areas or additional storage. If you’re already in a small space, consider using smart storage solutions such as under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelves, or foldable furniture to maximize your living area. You can also opt for the many luxury student accommodations London offers as they have more space compared to other housing options.

7. Understanding Contracts and Lease Terms

Housing contracts and lease agreements can be complex and filled with legal jargon that can confuse students, especially those unfamiliar with UK housing regulations. Unfavorable terms, hidden fees, and unclear clauses can lead to disputes and legal issues.

How to handle it:
Take your time reviewing any contract before signing it. If you have any doubts, seek advice from your university’s housing office or legal team. Familiarize yourself with common rental terms, such as break clauses, notice periods, and maintenance responsibilities, to avoid signing a contract that could disadvantage you.

8. Noise and Disruptions in Student Neighbourhoods

Many popular student areas are lively, with a vibrant social scene and nightlife. While this is great for socializing, it can also lead to frequent noise disruptions, especially during exam periods or when trying to rest after a long day of classes.

How to handle it:
If noise is a concern, consider living in quieter residential areas like Hampstead or Islington. For students already living in noisy neighbourhoods, earplugs, white noise machines, or even soundproof curtains can help. Setting boundaries and discussing noise levels with housemates can also contribute to a more peaceful living environment.

9. Dealing with Unwanted Housemates

Incompatible housemates can make living situations unbearable, leading to conflicts over shared spaces, cleanliness, or noise levels. This issue can be even more stressful if students are stuck in long-term contracts with roommates they cannot get along with.

How to handle it:
Open communication is key—address issues calmly and establish house rules that everyone agrees on. If conflicts persist, seek mediation through the university’s student services or consider swapping rooms within your student accommodation if possible.

10. Safety and Security Concerns

Some areas in London have higher crime rates, which can raise safety concerns for students living in those neighbourhoods. Some student accommodations also have inadequate security systems, such as weak locks or lack of CCTV, which can also put students at risk.

How to handle it:
Research crime rates in potential neighbourhoods before committing to a lease. Choose accommodations in safe areas with strong security features like secure entry systems, CCTV, and on-site staff. Use safety apps like SafeZone, register with local authorities, and ensure your accommodation has proper locks on all doors and windows.

Bonus: Struggles with International Student Housing Regulations

International students often face additional challenges related to housing regulations, such as securing a UK-based guarantor, providing proof of funds, or meeting visa requirements. These hurdles can delay the process of securing accommodation and add to the stress of relocating to a new country.

How to handle it:
Reach out to your university’s international student office for guidance on housing regulations and support with documentation. Some private accommodation providers like Student Luxe offer options that do not require UK-based guarantors, making it easier for international students to secure housing. Working with agencies that specialize in international student housing can also help navigate these complexities.

FAQs

What are the most common student housing issues in London?

Some of the most common issues include high rent prices, finding accommodation near campus, unresponsive landlords, getting deposits back, and student housing shortages.

What can I do if I can't find student accommodation in London?

Start searching early, explore university-managed accommodations, and consider trusted private providers like Student Luxe. Also, connect with your university’s housing office for support and additional resources.

How can I get my deposit back after my lease ends?

Document the property's condition at the start and end of the lease, maintain regular communication with the landlord, and use the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) for any disputes.

Wrapping Up

It can be difficult to understand the student housing environment in London, especially for those unfamiliar with the city’s high rental prices, competitive market, and complex housing regulations. From dealing with regulatory and maintenance issues to facing the challenges of securing deposits and finding accommodation near campus, students often have to deal with many issues.

A great way to avoid many of the housing issues is to opt for luxury apartments near your campus. You can find these apartments on Student Luxe.

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