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Alternative Accommodation for Students

A guide to private accommodation in London for UCL students

This page was updated on 2 SeptemberÌý2024

UCL Accommodation is striving to help UCL students find high quality accommodation at affordable prices. As the demand for accommodation exceeds the capacity of our own properties, we have highlighted private providers and, where possible, secured offers exclusively for UCL students.ÌýÌýÌý

This page is for UCL students that are ineligible for UCL Accommodation, a returning student or those looking for couples or family accommodation. Please be aware that if you have additional needs that impact your requirements for accommodation while studying at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË, you may be entitled to stay in UCL accommodation throughout your studies.ÌýLearn more about the accommodation offer for students with additional requirements.Ìý

Please note that the companies showcased are for informational purposes only. We do not have any official agreements with these companies and their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement.

Looking for private accommodation can be daunting. We have pulled together resources to help you with your search:

  • Check out our article,Ìýhow to avoid housing scams in your search for student accommodation, to learn more aboutÌýthe support available to UCL students.
  • Access .ÌýCurrent »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË students George and Erik tell us about their experiences privately renting in London. This podcast covers the full journey of renting, from thinking about who you might live with all the way through to moving out and tips on getting your deposit back!
  • ReviewÌýa recording of our 2023 Housing Advice webinar, which gives advice on finding private housing. The webinar includes representatives from the , UCL Accommodation, and the Advice Service, answering questions about private renting, budgeting, and alternative accommodation options. Current »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË students offer their perspectives and talk about their own experiences. .

Special Offers for UCL Students

The following properties are available at a discount toÌýUCL students.

For Academic Year 2024-25, UCL students can access rooms in North London, 20 minutes from UCL's Bloomsbury campus, from £385 per week.ÌýÌýusing booking code UCL350 and enjoy 10% off, £350 cashback, and access to all 13 Chapter locations and facilities.Ìý

For Academic Year 2024-25, UCL students can access below special price on contracts from 37-51 weeks.ÌýAt multiple properties, including:

  • - £455 per week (instead of £530)Ìýfor a Bronze Studio. Nearest station:ÌýPaddingtonÌý
  • -Ìý£470 per week (instead of £535)Ìýfor aÌýSilver Studio. Nearest station:ÌýPaddingtonÌýÌý
  • Ìý- £515 per week (instead of £635)Ìýfor a Classic Studio.ÌýNearest station: Farringdon
  • Ìý- £330 per week (instead of £395) for aÌýBronze Ensuite Upper Level. Nearest station: LewishamÌý
  • - £525 per week (instead of £595)Ìýfor a Bronze Studio Upper Level.ÌýNearest station: St Pancras International ÌýÌý
  • Ìý- £370 per week (instead of £415)Ìýfor a Silver Ensuite Mid Level. Nearest station:ÌýCaledonian RoadÌýÌý
  • Ìý- £460 per week (instead of £485)Ìýfor a Bronze Studio Plus. Nearest station:ÌýHammersmith

These exclusive offers are valid only for UCL students. ÌýwithÌýbooking code UCL2024Ìýand ask about their ! Plus, learn more about extra benefits available through your booking, including food delivery discounts, railway discount cards, discounts on flights, London attraction pass, Student sim cards and student mental health support.Ìý

For Academic Year 2024-25 UCL has secured special rates at 5 iQ sites in London: , , , & .

Use University code 'UCL2425' when you .

The special rateÌýbelow appliesÌýto bookings for the 2024-25 academic year forÌý17 week contracts (31 AugustÌýto 28 December 2024):

  • £340 per week for an ensuite room (compared to £350pw). Nearest station: Blackhorse Road, 25 minutes to UCL.

The special rates below apply to bookings for the 2024-25 academic year for 19 week contracts (23 August 2024 to 4 January 2025):

  • Ìý-ÌýTwo beautifully restored Victorian houses with 17 ensuite bedrooms located a short walk from the UCL Bloomsbury campus. Offering a variety of room types with access to fully equipped kitchens, including bedding, all bills/ utilities, Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and cleaning of communal areas.
    • Single Ensuite £418 per weekÌý
    • Double Ensuite £456 per weekÌý Ìý
    • Twin Ensuite £679 per weekÌýÌý
    • Studio £727 per weekÌýÌý

The special rates below apply to bookings for the 2024-25 academic year for 51 week contracts:

  • £345 per week for a Silver Studio at . Save up to £10pw. (compared to £355 per week). Nearest station: Westbourne Park, 25 minutes to UCLÌý
  • £265 per week for a Bronze Ensuite room at . Save up to £10pw. (compared to £275 per week) Nearest station: Wembley Park, 23 minutes to UCL fromÌý
  • Starting at £295 per week for an ensuite at .ÌýNearest station: Blackhorse Road, 22 minutes to UCL.

To access the prices above, visit .

Ìý

The special rates below apply to bookings for 2024-25 academic year forÌýcontracts that are 44-52 weeks in duration.Ìý

  • £499 per week for a Bronze Ensuite Penthouse at , King's Cross. Save up to £61 pw (compared to £560 pw).
  • £490 per week for a Standard Studio at , Barbican. Save up to £20 pw (compared to £510 pw).Ìý
  • £305 per weekÌýfor a Bronze Ensuite Premium at , Wembley. Save up to £10 pw (compared to £315 pw).Ìý

To access the deal and secure your room with these special rates .

ÌýÌýÌý

Get a £100 Uber Voucher when youÌý.Ìý


Students' Union UCL

The Students' Union UCL has put together .ÌýStudents can use the to find UCL studentsÌýto live with in private rental accommodation, or spare rooms listed by other UCL students. This helpful tool is run by Students' Union UCL.Ìý

There is a comprehensive student blog with advice on where to live in LondonÌýif you will not be living UCL Accommodation.Ìý


How do private rentals work?

You can book private accommodation in a variety of ways. The most important thing is to figure out your budget and start looking as early as possible. This will help you understand what is available in your price range.

To helpÌýstudents that are privately renting, UCL has a rent Guarantor Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to assist eligible full-time UCL students to rent private accommodation that might not otherwise be available, by UCL acting as a guarantor where the student is unable to secure any other UK-based rent guarantor.ÌýThe Scheme is open to overseas and EU students and in exceptional circumstances to UK students where no alternative UK guarantors are available.ÌýÌýLearn more, including how to apply for theÌýRent Guarantor SchemeÌýat »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË.

University of London Housing Services

The offers a range of assistance and support for students who areÌýlooking for and living in private accommodation in London.

Property Platform

UofL Housing Services offers a through which students can find and secure accommodation from reputable providers. UofL does not place students in accommodation - you must find and search for suitable options.Ìý

Students must have a valid student ID / offer letter (ideally showing their graduation date) to register.ÌýYou are encouraged toÌýregister for this service using your university email address for quicker approval to access the site.Ìý

Short stay accommodation

Additionally, UofL Housing Services offers dedicated information about , which can include anything from a few nights to a couple of months. You may find you need to arrange this type of accommodation while you are looking for long term accommodation, when you first arrive in London or at the end of your studies.

University of LondonÌýonly offers short stay accommodation during the summer every year. Room bookings are open fromÌýthe end of June until August.

You are encouraged toÌýregister for this service using your university email address for quicker approval to access the site.Ìý

Flatmate Finder Facebook group

UCL students can access the . Here, students can connect with other students looking for houseshares, share knowledge and advertise rooms in the shared house they live in.Ìý

All join requests and posts must be approved by UofL before going live. Students must have signed up to the property platform to be approved on the group.Ìý

Advice Service

Students can access the UofL Housing Services for issues they are experiencing in private rented accommodation. Issues include (but are not limited to):

  • Contract advice
  • Disrepair
  • Deposit disputes
  • Landlord harassment
  • Infestations
  • Evictions
Short Stay Accommodation

has dedicated information regarding short stay accommodation. Short stay accommodation can include anything from a few nights to a couple of months. You may find you need to arrange this type of accommodation while you are looking for long term accommodation, when you first arrive in London or at the end of your studies.

offers short-stay student residences (minimum 2 weeks). Visit the to view their options.Ìý

Student Accommodation Portals/ Platforms

Search for Student Accommodation using these portals to find properties available for rent in and around London.Ìý

Hybr is a new, personalised student accommodation platform that is completely free. Whether you are looking for a place for you and your mates or a place on your own, Hybr will be able to help! Blending technology and expert customer service to guide you through the rental process andÌýmake things are as easy as possible. TheyÌýcan also help you get set up with bills and other household responsibilities. With you get: access to thousands of student accommodation options across all price ranges, personalised service and access to a growing platform that helps students make the most of their time at uni and beyond.

ÌýÌý

Student.com specialises in helping students find accommodation that fits their budget and their needs. Book your room and get a £100 Uber Voucher.Ìý

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Student accommodation specialists with over 2,000 properties in London, including Purpose-Built Student AccommodationÌý(PBSAs). The offers include aÌývariety of rental options—from single rooms and studios to multi-bedroom units for individuals and groups. TheyÌýcaterÌýto a range budgets, with most offers including bills in the price. Contact them to speak withÌýrental consultants that are fluent in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Korean, Thai and Hindi.

University LivingÌýhelps students across the globe find suitable and secure accommodation near their university campuses.

Student Accommodation Providers

Find accommodation in student housing and intercollegiate student halls of residence with the selected providers below.Ìý

ÌýÌý

A British Council approved student accommodation provider specialist in housing International and Home students, visiting or studying in London. Accommodation options include student halls of residence, homestay or apartments/houses to share. Britannia Student Services specialise in flexible lengths of stay and no guarantor is required.ÌýÌý

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Chapter provides a unique living experience for students from across the globe. With an exclusive membership system, residents have access to all London locations, including their amenities and calendar of amazing events, enabling residents to build a city-wide community of friends and contacts whileÌýenjoying some of the most extraordinary living spaces in the London student market.

Ìý

This is a self catered Intercollegiate Halls of Residence located in Stratford, near UCL East. This accommodation is available to UCL students and those attending any college of the University of London.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

GoBritanya is a leading student accommodation agency, which allows students book from 2 to 51 weeks stays in residences throughout London.Ìý

ÌýÌý

International Students House provides accommodation in Central London. They offer a range of room types for one or two people, or a family.ÌýÌýÌý

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Discover your best year yet in London. With 18 locations in the capital, pick the room, studio or apartment to call your happy place, with all-inclusive bills, private bathrooms and superfast WiFi to keep you connected.

UCL has secured special rates at 5 iQ sites in London: The Arcade, Highbury, Sterling Court, Tufnell House & Will Wyatt Court. Use University code 'UCL2425' when you .

Londonist offers 2000 rooms across 50 prime locations in London, encompassing Zones 1, 2, and 3. TheirÌýÌýis aÌýmodernÌýbuilding equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities located 20 minutes walk from UCL East.

Ìý

London Nest offers high-quality rooms for students near universities and top locations in London as student residences during the academic year and short term lets.ÌýÌý

ÌýÌý

Unite Students is an independent organisation providing accommodation to students in London. Unite Students was the UK’s first private provider of purpose-built student accommodation.ÌýÌýÌý

Ìý

London based student accommodation provider, with buildings close to the UCL campus.Ìý

Ìý

Student accommodation provider offering studios in London at Lewisham Exchange, Zone 2.Ìý

Private rental portals

Search for student housing and properties to rent using private portals, available for both solo-accommodation and house-shares.Ìý

A direct to landlord letting service.

A private property portal, with properties to rent direct from landlords and agencies.

Geared towards moving into an existing shared flat, but there are sometimes whole properties listed as well.

A private property portal, with properties to rent direct from landlords and agencies.

Family and couples accommodation

The majority of student accommodation isÌýdesigned for single students, which means that you will want to begin your search for this type of housing as early as possible.

International HallÌýhas a small number of flats available for students with children. Information on the application process and deadline for students with children at International Hall can be found on theÌý. The application process differs slightly for students with families and you will need to submit an application form. PleaseÌýemail the University of LondonÌýfor further information.Ìý

There are some private halls and housing associations who can assist with couples and those with children. Places are limited, so we would advise you to get in touch with them as soon as possible:

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Resources available to UCL Students

At risk of homelessness

If you are an enrolled student and you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (having no access to, or ability to fund, long or short term accommodation), you may find some useful information on Students’ Union UCL’s .

The Students’ Union’s Advice Service cannot find or provide accommodation for students, but can discuss your situation and help explore your housing options. They can also signpost you to further accommodation opportunities and relevant sources of financial support (if needed). If you need support or would like to discuss your housing needs, please .

UCL Rent Guarantor Scheme

The purpose of this scheme is to assist eligible full-time UCL students to rent private accommodation that might not otherwise be available, by UCL acting as a guarantor where the student is unable to secure any other UK-based rent guarantor.ÌýÌý

The Scheme is open to overseas and EU students and in exceptional circumstances to UK students where no alternative UK guarantors are available.ÌýÌý

Learn more, including how to apply for the Rent Guarantor SchemeÌýat »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË.

Flatmate Finder

Students can use the to find UCL studentsÌýto live with in private rental accommodation, or spare rooms listed by other UCL students. This helpful tool is run by Students' Union UCL.Ìý

UCL students can access the . Here, students can connect with other students looking for houseshares, share knowledge and advertise rooms in the shared houses they live in.Ìý

The University of London has a , that is available for all UCL students. They can also assist with .Ìý

Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team (UCL)

UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team places your security at the forefront and is on hand to give advice and information to keep you safe in London.

You can contact the Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team with any safety concern by emailing or contact them anonymously and confidentially, withholding personal details, via.

Citizens Advice and Shelter (charities)

Ìýis a charity that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.Ìý

Ìýis a housing and homelessness charity that offers housing advice and support online and over the phone, for free.

University of London Housing Services offers a range of services to assist and support students looking for and living in private accommodation in London.

Students with Additional Requirements

A student smiling

UCL Accommodation work to ensure students with additional requirements are allocated rooms that meet their needs.