Complete Guide for International Student Housing in London
Finding the perfect private student accommodation London has to offer can be quite a task, especially as an international student who doesn’t understand the terrain.
From deciding where to live to finding reputable property companies to rent from, the entire process can be draining.
Fortunately, this post will serve as a simple guide to finding suitable luxury student accommodation in London. We will explore topics like where to live, which property company to use and how to spot red flags.
Key Takeaways
When choosing where to live for school in London, you may be faced with either a Purpose built student accommodation, Airbnbs, luxury private student accommodations or shared apartments.
Finding private student housing can be tricky. You need to choose the right location and only rent from reputable private student accommodation companies.
If you want to live in a private and luxury student accommodation, choosing a dedicated luxury student accommodation company in London is the way to go.
On Student Luxe, you can explore several private student accommodations in London and book for short or long stays in advance. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
Housing Options for International Students in London
International students have several housing options to choose from in London. Let’s dive deeper into each option and see which works best for you.
On-Campus Accommodation
Many universities in London offer on-campus accommodation, providing first year students with convenience and proximity to campus facilities.
On-campus options typically include dormitories, shared apartments, or studio flats, with amenities such as common areas, laundry facilities, and security services.
Living on campus fosters a sense of community and allows students to easily access academic resources, extracurricular activities, and campus events.
On-campus students are usually limited and only available to first-year students. Students usually have to find other accommodation options in their second years.
Students living in on-campus housing usually have to follow a set of rules laid out by the university.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSAs)
PBSAs are privately owned and purpose-built student residences, offering modern amenities and a range of facilities tailored to student needs.
These accommodations often feature fully furnished rooms or apartments, on-site gyms, study areas, communal spaces, and 24/7 security.
PBSAs provide a comfortable and convenient living environment, with options available near major universities and transportation hubs across London.
One of the major issues students have with PBSAs is bad management and maintenance.
Homestays
Homestays involve living with a local host family, offering international students the opportunity to experience British culture firsthand and practice English language skills.
Host families typically provide a private room, meals, and a supportive environment, enhancing the cultural immersion experience.
Homestays can be arranged through specialized agencies or platforms, ensuring compatibility between students and host families.
Like on-campus accommodation, this arrangement can be uncomfortable if you love your privacy and love to come and go as you please.
Private Student Apartments
Renting a private apartment or flat offers students greater independence and flexibility in choosing their living arrangements.
Private apartments vary in size, location, and amenities, with options ranging from budget-friendly shared accommodations to upscale studio flats or penthouses.
Students can search for private rentals in London through online platforms like Student Luxe, considering factors such as proximity to campus, transportation links, and safety. These apartments also offer short and long stay rental agreements for students who need a summer student accommodation in London.
Airbnbs
Airbnb offers short-term accommodation options, including private rooms, entire apartments, or houses, available for rent from local hosts.
While Airbnb can be a convenient choice for temporary stays or short-term rentals, it may not always provide the same level of stability or support as other housing options.
Another downside is that international students can’t book in advance or for an extended period with Airbnbs.
Expert Pick: International students will benefit the most by living in private apartments close to campus and located in the best neighbourhoods in London. These luxury student accommodation come fully equipped with hotel-style amenities like concierge service, private fitness centers, elevators, rooftop terrace, etc., and many more.
Explore more available private student accommodation London offers here
Off-Campus International Student Housing Checklist
If you decide to live off-campus, there are certain things you should consider and tick off your list. Doing this narrows your accommodation options and helps you pick the right spot.
Location: Consider proximity to campus, public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities.
Lease Terms: Review the lease agreement carefully, noting the duration, rent payment schedule, and any additional fees or charges.
Safety: Research the safety of the neighborhood and the security features of the building or property.
Furniture: Determine whether the accommodation is furnished or unfurnished and plan accordingly for any additional furniture or household items needed.
Utilities: Ask about included utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet, and understand how utility payments are managed.
Laundry Facilities: Check if there are laundry facilities on-site or nearby for convenient access.
Transportation: Evaluate transportation options and accessibility to public transportation routes or bike lanes.
Grocery Stores: Check for nearby grocery stores or markets for purchasing food and essentials.
Internet Access: Ensure reliable internet connectivity for studying and staying connected with family and friends.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the landlord or property manager, local authorities, and university support services.
Tenant Insurance: Consider obtaining tenant insurance to protect personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events.
Additional Amenities: Explore any additional amenities or perks offered by the accommodation, such as a gym, study lounge, or outdoor space.
Maintenance: Understand the process for reporting maintenance issues or repairs and how quickly they are addressed by the landlord or property management.
Off-campus Housing Challenges
You may face certain challenges when finding an off-campus private student accommodation in London. Some of these challenges are:
No UK guarantor
Limited availability
Too far away from campus
Unsafe location
Sketchy landlord or property manager.
To avoid these, it’s best to book your accommodation well in advance of your arrival in London and only use reputable private student housing managers in London like Student Luxe.
Wrapping Up
Private student accommodations are the best off-campus housing options for international students in London. These luxury properties are usually located within walking distance of different campuses and in the best parts of the city.
You can access the most private, flexible, and luxurious London student accommodation on Student Luxe.
These apartments are designed for the well-traveled, wealthy, and international student with a taste for opulence in living spaces.
Here’s our flex…
Flexible living experience, no long-term contracts, no UK-guarantor needed, proximity to universities and amenities, and ultra-modern, stunning apartments designed for your comfort.
Reach out to our experts, who can secure a special stay for your studies.
