Looking for student housing in London for 2025? Here’s what you need to know upfront:

Start Early: Begin your search 6-8 months before classes start – January to March is ideal for September.
Options: Choose between university halls (£90–£400/week), purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA, £120–£400+), shared housing (£80–£180/week), or homestays (£100–£300/week).
Costs: Expect to pay deposits (4–6 weeks’ rent), cover living expenses (rent, travel, food), and manage utilities depending on accommodation type.
Top Locations: Bloomsbury, South Bank, and Stratford are popular for their proximity to universities, affordability, or vibrant social scenes.
Documents Needed: Visa, CAS letter, proof of funds, guarantor details (if required), and ID are essential for securing housing.

Quick Tip

Book early to secure better options and avoid last-minute stress. If you’re unsure, consider PBSA for simplicity (all bills included) or university halls for convenience and community.

Now, let’s break down your choices, budgeting tips, and how to get the best out of your London student experience.

Student vs Private Housing in London 🇬🇧 | How to find the best accomodation for you (Pros & Cons)

Housing Choices for Students

In London, many housing choices fit the needs of students from other lands, with each choice having its own good points and cost range. Picking the best one depends on your money limit, way of life, and study needs.

University Halls and Joint Halls

University halls, run by schools, are a top pick for new students from overseas. Often found on or close to campus, they make getting to class quick and easy.

Costs for these halls in London are from £90 to £400 per week, based on room type and spot. Most students get a room alone, with choices to share parts (like kitchens and baths) or have a setup with their own bath but shared common spots.

A big plus of these halls is the community feel – they’re set up to help you fit in fast. Costs like power, site guard, and help services are often wrapped into one price, making life simpler. Yet, you can’t pick the exact room you want, and deals usually cover the full school year. If this sounds good, apply soon as top rooms go quickly.

Made-for-Students Homes (PBSA)

These homes (PBSA) offer new living spots made just for students. Such homes often have new extras and different room choices. A week here in London is £120 to more than £400, with some costs as low as £105 and some as high as £3,094 per week. Choices range from usual single rooms, top studios, and two-person spots for sharing.

PBSA stands out with one-cost pricing – what you pay covers power, web, and sometimes things like gym use or study spots. Many buildings also have group spots like game rooms, shared kitchens, or places for events. PBSA deals usually last for 52 weeks, giving more choice but could add to total yearly cost.

Shared Houses and Flats

Shared homes are a good pick for later-year students, offering a more on-your-own living style. This often means renting a place with other students or young workers under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

Rent in London for shared homes runs from £80 to £180 per week, about £600 to £1,000 per month. Here, you usually have your own room but share spots like kitchens, living areas, and baths. Some places may have rooms with their own baths for more money.

The top thing about shared homes is they cost less as bills (power, gas, water, and web) are split with house buddies. But this choice needs you to take care of bills, fix things, and share chores. Other choices do not always have bills in the rent.

Living with a Host Family

Staying with a local family, you get to see life in the UK more closely. This is a good choice for students from other places who want more help as they start life in a new land.

Every week, staying in a London homestay costs between £100 to £300. What you pay for can change – many plans cover food, power, and web. You’ll get your own room but share the kitchen and bath with the host family.

A homestay is a great way to dive into the culture. Living with a local family can make your English better, show you British ways, and help you out – like with getting a bank or using buses and trains. The downside is less time alone and freedom, since you have to stick to the family’s daily life and house rules.

Place to Stay	Cost a Week	Good For	Top Pros
Univ. Dorms	£90 – £400	New students from far lands	Close to class, bills paid, live with others
PBSA	£120 – £400+	Ones who like new stuff	Pay once for all, new things, simple contracts
Shared Homes	£80 – £180	Older students	Save money, live alone
Stay with Family	£100 – £300	New students from far lands	Learn the ways here, extra help, food’s included

Saving Money as a Student

Being smart with money matters a lot when you live in a pricey city like London. Here’s a look at both steady and once-only costs to guide your money plan.

Rent and Other Regular Bills

The cost of a place to stay in London can be high and depends on where and how you live. College halls and buildings made for students often cost more but they usually cover water, heat, power, and web use. They might have extra good things like safety and shared rooms. Living in a house with others may cost less, but you might have to pay for your own bills. Good news – full-time students do not have to pay city tax.

Keep in mind you might need to pay a deposit first off, so plan for that in your starting costs.

Other Monthly Costs

Next to rent, remember these monthly costs when you make your budget:

Travel: You can get cheap prices on buses and trains with a Student Oyster Card. How much you spend depends on how much and where you travel.
Food Shopping: What you spend on food changes with where you shop. Go for cheaper stores to save, but fancier places will cost more. If you live with a host, meals may be part of the deal, saving you some cash.
Mobile Phone: Many deals exist that are good for students. Look around to find the best one.
Study Stuff: Books, pens, and printing vary in cost across different courses. Try to cut costs by using the library or buying used books.
Going Out: Eating out, movies, or nights out are big parts of student life. How much you spend is up to how you live.
Laundry: If washing is not free where you stay, you need to spend money based on how often you wash clothes.

Example Student Budget

Here is a typical monthly budget to show you common student costs in London. The real numbers depend on where you live and how you spend:

Money Need	Cost	Info
Rent (like PBSA)	Changes	Might cover power and more
Travel	Changes	Get a Student Oyster Card for less cost
Food Buying	Changes	Price shifts on where you buy
Cell Phone	Changes	Plans for students are easy to find
Study Stuff	Changes	Price hangs on what your course needs
Fun	Changes	Eating out, shows, and more
Wash Clothes	Changes	Extra if not in your living place
Self Care Items	Changes	Things like soap, clothes, must-haves
Just in Case Fund	Changes	For costs you did not see coming

When getting ready for your first month, keep in mind extra costs like deposits, set-up fees, and things like furniture you may need. To plan early can change everything.

Top Spots to Live in London for Students

When you pick the right spot in London to live, it can change your time as a student a lot. Where you stay shapes your work, friends, and even how much money you spend. Here are some spots that give you a good mix of easy life, low cost, and fun for students in the city.

Spots Near Schools

If you want to stay close to your school, these spots put you right in the middle of London’s school life:

Bloomsbury is a great pick for those at University College London, SOAS, and Birkbeck. This area is full of school history, with the British Museum and Russell Square just steps away. The rent is high, but being able to walk to class and save on travel might make it worth it.

South Bank is great for those at King’s College London, London South Bank University, or other nearby schools. The Thames Path has nice walks, and spots like the National Theatre and Tate Modern are close. Eating out can cost a lot, but Borough Market has cheap and fresh food.

Aldgate and Tower Bridge mix old charm with new ease. Students get to school fast with Aldgate East and Tower Hill stations, while sights like the Tower of London and great river views make the area more fun.

Camden is full of life for students who like different cultures. With busy markets, many food options, and calm walks by Regent’s Canal, Camden has both buzz and peace.

Cheap Areas with Good Travel Options

For students wanting to save, these areas have low rent and great travel links:

Stratford has changed a lot since the 2012 Olympics. It has cheap homes, a big shopping center, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is linked well to central London by the Central, Jubilee, and DLR lines.

Ealing has a more far-out feel but is still good value. Parks like Ealing Common and Walpole Park are nice, and the Central line takes you to Oxford Circus in about 30 minutes.

Lewisham is a good pick in South London, with cheap homes and great travel options through the DLR and National Rail. With a busy main street and local markets, it’s easy to keep daily costs low.

Elephant and Castle is in Zone 1 but often costs less than other central areas. The Northern and Bakerloo lines, and National Rail, make travel easy. The area is also getting new looks and feels with recent changes.

New Cross draws students, especially those at Goldsmiths, with its artsy and different feel. The Overground makes trips to central London fast, while the local creative scene builds a lively, open community.

For students who love a lively social life, these areas have lots of night fun and things to do:

Shoreditch is the heart of London’s cool art world. It’s full of street art, small bars, and spots that stay open late. Brick Lane makes it more fun with top curry spots and old-time markets. Living here costs more, but the fun night life makes it worth it for many.

Brixton mixes deep culture with fun places to hang out. It has busy markets and live music at the O2 Academy Brixton. There’s always something to do. The Victoria line makes travel to the city’s heart quick. A strong local vibe adds to the area.

Clapham pulls in students and young workers with its fun main street, active bars, and big Clapham Common. Many tube stops make travel easy. The common is a quiet break from city noise.

King’s Cross is now a busy spot for both students and workers. With places like Coal Drops Yard and canal-side bars, it’s perfect for hanging out. Great travel links, like St Pancras International, make it even better.

Hackney has areas like Dalston and Hackney Wick with cool, small spots, artsy places, and a different feel. The Overground makes moving around simple, and the area is both welcoming and not too costly.

When picking a place to live, think about what you need: How long can you travel? What life style do you like? How does money play into it? Living further might save on rent but up travel costs and time. Yet, lively areas might draw you from study. Finding the right spot will help you enjoy your time in London.

How to Pick and Get Student Housing

Looking for the right student house in London needs some plan. You can make it easy by breaking it down into simple steps. Start soon and have all the needed papers ready to raise your chance of getting the place you want. When your plan and papers are set, go for it.

When to Book and Key Times

London’s student house scene is fast; time is everything. Most students start their search for September homes from January to March. Starting early means more choices and good deals.

January to February: This time is when many places start to take bookings for the new school year. University halls and special student homes often open up now, sometimes with early deals. They often pick international students first at this stage.
March to May: These are the top months to book. It’s busy, and getting a spot in popular places like Bloomsbury or South Bank is hard. If you think about shared homes or private rents, note that owners usually put up ads 2-3 months before the rent starts.
June to August: It’s late, but you can still find spots. Some students change their minds or put off their studies, making room late. Yet, you might have to give up on the perfect spot or price.

For students who start in January, the search starts between September and October the year before. There are fewer choices for January starts, so be ready to bend. Lots of places have deals for mid-year starts.

Deposits must be paid 2-4 weeks after you get an offer. Plan to put down £200-£500 to keep your room, with the full deposit due near your move-in day.

Needed Papers and How to Prepare

Having your papers ready is key, more so for international students, who need more documents than UK students.

Student visa papers: You’ll need your Student visa (used to be Tier 4) or your visa number if it’s still pending. Some places let you book based on a future visa, but not all.
Proof you’re a student: Your CAS letter is vital. Some might also take letters from your school. Make sure these papers clearly show your course start date and how long it lasts.
Proof of money: Most places want to see bank statements (from the past 3-6 months) proving you can pay the first term’s rent and living costs. They might also take letters about scholarships or help from your family.
Guarantor info: If you need a guarantor, they must often make 2.5-3 times the yearly rent and show job proof, bank details, and home info. If you lack a UK guarantor, some places take international ones or offer guarantor services for a price, usually £300-£500 a year.
Prove who you are: To get a house, you must show a valid passport. At times, you may also need another photo ID. Many now use quick online checks.
Recommendations: They are not always needed, but having good words from past landlords, teachers, or bosses can make your form look better, more so when many want the same place.

Looking at Homes and Making Sure They Are Safe

When you look at homes, either online or by going there, focus on details to make sure the place fits what you need and is safe.

Online tours: These help a lot if you are from another country and can’t come to London first. Look at how big the rooms are, how the furniture looks, and when things get fixed. Ask to see shared places like kitchens and study areas. Try seeing them at different times to feel how the home is.
Seeing the place yourself: If you are already in the UK or can visit, it’s best to go and see it yourself. You can better understand the space and the area around it. Try to go at different times to see if it’s noisy or quiet.
Safety checks: Every home must follow safety rules. Ask to see gas safety papers, electric safety papers, and fire safety proof. These are musts by law in England. Big student homes usually manage these, but private places might need more checking.
Smoke and gas alarms: Make sure these are set up and working. Look for clear ways out in case of fire and test things like door locks, window locks, and how you get into the building.
House license checks: For homes shared by many (like HMOs), make sure the home has a license. Local councils keep lists of these homes, which you can see online. Homes without a license might be shut down, and you could lose your place to stay during your rent time.
Keeping your deposit safe: In England, whoever you rent from must keep your deposit in a safe place by law within 30 days after you pay. They should tell you where it is kept and how you get it back when you leave.

At the end, learn a lot about the area around the home. Check buses and trains during busy times, look for stores and other important places nearby, and see if you feel safe there, even at night. Doing these things will help you find a good and secure place to live.

Renting Places and Rules You Must Follow

After you have looked at places and applied, it’s important to know the rules of your rent contract. Understanding these rules not only keeps you safe but also stops possible problems later. Different contracts have different rights and duties, so you need to know what you are agreeing to.

Different Types of Contracts

In London, student rent contracts are mainly of two types: Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and licence agreements. Each type has its own set of rules and what you must do, adding to what you checked earlier about safety and costs.

Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are common for shared private homes and flats. They usually last 12 months, but some landlords offer 44-week contracts for the school year. With an AST, you get strong legal safety, like the right to stay the whole time unless you break the rules. You also have protection against unfair rent raises and being kicked out.

Licence agreements, however, are more open but offer less safety. They usually let you leave with 4 weeks’ notice, which is less than the 2 months for ASTs. These contracts often include extra services like cleaning, fixing things, and utilities, which can be handy for some students.

The length of your contract can change your plans. For example:

44-week contracts go from mid-September to late June, good if you leave for the summer.
51-week contracts go till late August.
52-week contracts go all year.

Longer contracts might have a lower weekly cost, but you might pay for weeks you don’t use. Some contracts also let you leave after 6 months with 2 months’ notice and maybe a fee.

Deposits and Guarantor Rules

When you sign a rent contract, you often must pay a deposit worth 4-6 weeks’ rent. By law, the landlord must put this deposit in a government-approved plan within 30 days. The three approved plans are:

If your deposit isn’t stored right, you could get 1-3 times the deposit amount as payback through the courts.

For many students, especially those from other countries, a guarantor is needed. A guarantor promises to pay missed rent payments and usually must earn 2.5-3 times the yearly rent. For example, if your rent is £250 a week, your guarantor must earn at least £32,500 a year.

It can be hard for international students to find a UK guarantor. While some landlords are okay with international guarantors, they might ask for more proof of income or other papers. Or, you can use services like Housing Hand or UK Guarantor to act as guarantors for a fee, usually £300-£500 a year or about 6-12% of your yearly rent.

If a guarantor isn’t an option, you could pay 3-6 months’ rent upfront. This works well if you get scholarship money or help from your family early.

Student Rules and What You Must Do

When you get your place, it’s key to know what you need to do. Your lease will tell you your jobs, and doing them helps everyone get along.

Paying rent: You mostly need to pay rent every month before time, but some places let you pay every term. If you are late, you might have to pay £25-£50 extra, plus more for the delay.
Telling about issues: You must tell them about big problems, like broken heat or leaks, in 24-48 hours, and smaller stuff in 7 days. If you wait too long, it might cost more.
Guest rules: Rules can change, but dorms often only let guests stay 3 nights a month if you ask first. Private places might let guests stay up to 14 nights in a row, but you can’t rent your place to others.
Quiet and how you act: Most leases say you should be quiet from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and from midnight to 8 AM on weekends. If it’s too loud often, you might get a warning or have to leave.
Keeping it clean: If you share a house, you usually need to clean shared places, often by taking turns. Some student homes clean shared spaces for you, but you need to keep your room clean.

At the end of your lease, you must clean well, take all your things, and give back the keys. Rooms should look as good as when you moved in, despite normal use. Professional cleaning can cost £80-£150 for one room, and doing it yourself is often cheaper than if it comes out of your deposit.

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Key Things for Student Homes

When picking a place to live as a student in London, make sure it is good for your health and helps you mix with others. Two big things to think about are getting to places for social and health needs and how easy it is to reach key services.

It’s a must for students from other countries to have health help. If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge with your student visa, you can use the NHS. One of the first things you should do is sign up with a local doctor – even if you feel okay. This makes sure you can get help fast when you need it. For less urgent stuff, you can also call NHS 111 for tips and help.

Keeping your mind healthy is big too. Many schools have folks to talk to and one-on-one help to settle into London life. These can be super important for dealing with a new city and feeling less alone. Think about how close your home is to these services, as it can make getting support much simpler.

Where You Live and Local Spots

Where you stay has a huge impact on your daily life. Being near doctors helps a lot with signing up and getting care. A well-placed home also means you’re close to other key stuff, smoothing your move to London and cutting down stress.

A smart choice in location not only helps your health but matches other needs like your budget and safety. Being near important spots makes a big difference in feeling safe and comfy while you study in London.

Cube Student Living Overview

Cube Student Living offers built-for-purpose homes across London, made just for students from other countries. With new, well-made living spots and a strong help team, they aim to aid students do well in school while they get used to a new city. Let’s look more at why Cube Student Living is a good pick for your time in London.

Home Features and Services

Every home at Cube Student Living comes ready to move in, with each room having a private bath and kitchen. This setup lets students live on their own yet enjoy being part of a group. Fast Wi-Fi is always there.

The weekly rent at Cube Student Living includes all home costs – power, water, heat, and web – which makes it easy to plan your money. This all-in-one price is great for students from abroad dealing with money changes and unsure monthly costs.

More than the basics, Cube homes have gyms, study spots for deep focus, and fun group areas to meet others. With 24/7 safety and help on-site, students can feel safe and cared for, knowing any problems will be fixed fast.

London Spots and Weekly Prices

Cube Student Living is in top London spots, with Cube Ealing being a top pick for students from abroad. In West London, Ealing has great travel links to central schools and is cheaper than Zone 1 spots.

At Cube Ealing, weekly prices start at £270. The Twin Studio is from £275, while the Standard Studio begins at £369 per week, for a 51-week stay. These prices are set for the 2025 market, and rooms are already wanted for the 2025/2026 school year. The 51-week stay fits with the school year, letting students keep their homes during short breaks with no need to look for a short-term place. Cube also works hard to make a helpful and open place.

Student Group and Help Services

Cube Student Living is more than just a place to stay – it’s a group. Knowing the hard things students from other countries go through, Cube gives round-the-clock help, whether it’s for fixing things or finding your way in London.

Regular events, like study groups, school help, and fun meets, offer chances to connect and make friends. The group spots are made to fit both solo study and group fun, making a place where students can make lasting global friendships that last past their school days.

Plan and Move-In List

Being ready soon can help you grab the best place to stay while at school and keep away the rush of last-minute picks. Here is a plan to guide you through the app steps and get set for the day you move in.

Key Times and Last Days

September to March
Most places for students start taking forms in September for the next school year, and are most busy from January to March. Schools usually start taking forms for living in halls in October, while other places might start even sooner. For instance, Cube Student Living is already seeing lots of folks want rooms for the 2025/2026 school year, so putting your form in early means a better shot at getting the room you like. Keep in mind that school halls often set their last days to apply between March and May, but the top picks might be gone much sooner.

April to June
This is the last part for apps to school places. If you apply late, you might end up on a wait list or have less choice in rooms. If you’re looking at a place with a private owner, they usually want you to sign your stay papers by June for move-ins in September.

July to August
This is your final chance to find a place to live. While some spots might open up because other students change their plans, there won’t be as many choices. Use this time to get all your move-in papers ready and tie up any loose ends.

When your place is set, focus on readying for the day you move in.

Getting Ready for Move-In Day

As the big day nears, be sure you’ve checked off these must-haves:

Needed Papers
Pull together all you’ll need, such as:

Passport or UK ID
School yes letter
Signed stay paper
Proof of money paid
Backer papers (if needed)

Save copies of these papers online too.

Money Needs
Open a UK bank and put money in it, or set up a way to pay. Some places may want the first week’s rent when you show up, even if you’ve paid some money already. Look at your stay paper for exact pay rules.

Basic Things
Pack simple things for the first few days, such as bed stuff, wash stuff, and clothes. Most places come with furniture, but adding things with your touch – like photos, a small lamp, or your best mug – can make it feel more like your place. If you have things from overseas, UK spots need three-pin plugs, so you might need adapters.

Health and Safe Keeping
Sign up with a local doctor when you get there and keep big emergency numbers close. This should have your stay place’s 24-hour help line. For instance, at Cube Student Living, they have 24/7 help for urgent matters.

School Sign-Up
Check when your school lets you register and any meet and greet days you should go to. While many stay places work with schools to help students settle in, you’ll have to take care of your school sign-up on your own.

Get to Know Your Area
Use apps like Citymapper to find your way to school. Look for important places nearby like food stores, drug stores, and banks. If you live at Cube Ealing, for example, use the good transport options to get to central London schools.

Check Your Things
When you get there, look at your room well using the list they give you. Tell someone right away if things are broken or not there to keep from being charged later. Taking pictures as proof is smart.

Set Up Your Services
In many special living places, things like water, power, and heat are included in your rent and set up. But, you might need to get your own internet or sign up for some services. Make sure you know what’s included to not get hit with surprise costs.

Making the Most of Your London Student Home

Picking the right student home in London is key to a good time at university. Start by thinking about what is most important to you – maybe being close to classes, being in a fun area, or finding a place that fits your money and way of life.

It’s smart to apply early. This gives you more choices, cuts down on last-second stress, and ups your odds of getting the kind of home and spot you like.

Your pick of home not only shapes your daily life but also your costs. For example, living near school might cut down on travel time, but could mean paying more rent. It’s key to balance ease and cost, and like pointed out in the money plan part, it’s good to think of all costs to make sure your choice fits your budget.

The help and group fun your home offers can also make your student life better. Look for spots that plan fun events or back student-run stuff, as these can make you feel more linked. These aids, along with the useful home bits we talked about before, add to a full experience.

Also, help from outside can be very useful. Groups like UKCISA give expert tips on things like moving in, work rights, and getting used to life in the UK.

"We are committed to ensuring that international students feel welcome, supported, and valued. Our mission is to promote excellence in international student support and to make the UK a great place to study for students from all over the world." – UKCISA

If you need help to open a bank account or get what it means to rent a place, UKCISA has tools to make it easier for you.

FAQs

What are the main differences between university halls and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in terms of cost and facilities?

University halls tend to be the cheaper option, with average weekly rents in London sitting at around £212. These accommodations focus on shared living, offering essentials like communal kitchens and study areas. They’re a practical choice for students looking to keep costs low.

On the other hand, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provides a more up-to-date and comfortable living environment, with weekly rents averaging £259 in London. PBSA often comes with extras like private rooms, gyms, lounges, and high-quality furnishings, appealing to those who value privacy and extra amenities.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and how much comfort you want during your time at university.

What documents do international students need to secure accommodation in London?

Preparing Documents for Renting Accommodation in London

If you’re an international student looking to rent in London, having the right documents ready can save you a lot of time and hassle. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Proof of identity: This could be your valid passport or a national identity card.
Right to rent evidence: You’ll need to show that you’re eligible to rent in the UK, which might require sharing your immigration status or residence permit.
References from past landlords: If you’ve rented before, a good reference can go a long way in reassuring landlords.
Proof of financial stability: This could include a bank statement or a letter that confirms your student funding.

Being organised with these documents can streamline the process and increase your chances of securing a place quickly.

How can international students budget and manage their living expenses while studying in London?

Managing your living expenses as an international student in London might feel challenging at first, but with some practical steps, it can become much more manageable. A great starting point is setting up a monthly budget to monitor your income and spending. Make sure to prioritise essentials like rent, food, and transport. Free budgeting tools, such as Monzo or Revolut, can simplify this process and help you stay organised.

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is by cooking at home instead of dining out, which can save you a considerable amount on food. Don’t forget to take advantage of student discounts – many shops, restaurants, and travel services offer reduced prices when you show your student ID or use discount cards like the TOTUM card. For getting around the city, using an Oyster card or contactless payment is a smart choice, as these options provide capped daily and weekly travel fares.

On average, international students in London spend approximately £1,400–£1,500 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport. By keeping an eye on your spending and making small changes, you can make the most of your time in London without stretching your budget too thin.