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Other Local Accommodation

Finding good quality reasonably priced accommodation in London can be difficult. There are several different types of private accommodation available to students and lots of different places to look.

[Where to Stay] [Where to Look for Accommodation] [Money] [Council tax]

Where to Stay

Please be careful when visiting independent accommodation: ALWAYS tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Take a friend with you if possible. NEVER give anyone any money before you have seen both the accommodation and a contract. If you are not sure about something, or feel uncomfortable ask us to help you. If we can, we will.

King Street College recommends

London Hotels - London By.Com

Easy and secure online reservation of Apartments, Bed and Breakfast accommodation and Hotels in London. This site provides extensive information on each listed property, including 30 - 40 fast loading images, direct booking access and useful information for travellers to London.

Find-Flatmates

Find-Flatmates is a free service from Uretopia for finding flatmates, roommates, or just renting out your accommodation, and you can post a message or reply to a message without registration.

Hostels

The hostel accommodation is in double or dormitory rooms and usually includes breakfast. You share the room with 5 or 6 other people. Prices are from £12 per person per night. Unfortunately they cannot usually be booked more than a few weeks in advance. Some hostels have kitchen facilities, others just provide breakfast. This is a good value short term option, while you look for something more permanent.

Lodgings

This a rented room in a private home. The landlord/lady and their family may live in the house and you may share kitchen and bathroom with them. You will have to fit in with the lifestyle and rules of the family. Lodgings can give you company and support but you may not be completely independent. Depending on the area, rent is from £60 per person per week. Many landlords will ask for a month's rent as a deposit.

Bedsits / Studios

This is one room where you will both live and sleep. You may also have kitchen and bathroom facilities or you may share with others in the building. You will be responsible for your own cleaning and laundry. You will have lots of independence but it can be lonely living alone. Rent is from £150 per week.

Shared Flats and Houses

You might want to share a flat with friends or move into a flat with other students. You will share the cost of bills and cleaning but you are completely independent. Rent is from £60 per week, depending on the area of London and the number of people sharing the flat.

[Where to Stay] [Where to Look for Accommodation] [Money] [Council tax]

Where to look for accommodation

Loot magazine

The magazine is published every day and is great for finding flat shares and rooms to let. It's available from newsagents and costs £1.40. Alternatively you can look at their web site. You need to be quick though - things are taken very quickly.

Notice boards

People often advertise rooms and accommodation on notice boards in shops, supermarkets and in the school. Check them regularly so you see new adverts when they appear.

Friends

The best people to speak to you are your friends and classmates. They may be looking for a room as well or know of a spare room somewhere. They can also give you good advice about where to look and how much to pay.

Letting Agencies

These can help you find accommodation but they will probably charge a fee, so ask how much it is before you agree to let them look for something for you.

Online

The following web sites can help you find accommodation in London:

[Where to Stay] [Where to Look for Accommodation] [Money] [Council tax]

Money

Remember to find out what bills you will need to pay before you agree to move in. Ask the landlord / lady who pays for gas, electricity, water and council tax.

Your landlord may ask you to pay rent in advance. He / she may also ask for a security deposit to cover any damage or breakage. When you leave, this should be returned to you unless you have unpaid bills, rent or have damaged the property in any way.

[Where to Stay] [Where to Look for Accommodation] [Money] [Council tax]

Council tax

Most adults have to pay council tax, which is connected to the house or flat where you live. It helps pay for local services such as libraries, police and fire brigade. It is calculated by the local council based on the value of the property where you live. Council tax is usually paid in 10 monthly installments.

The Council tax will not apply to your dwelling if all adult residents are full-time students, as defined below. For council tax purposes, a 'full-time' student is:

Someone studying at a UK institution, on a course which:

lasts for at least one academic year
involves at least 24 weeks a year
involves at least 21 hours of term-time study per week

According to this definition, most King Street College students cannot get a student discount. We advise students to check with their local authority to find out if they can apply for a reduction in their council tax bill as the conditions vary slightly in different areas.

[Where to Stay] [Where to Look for Accommodation] [Money] [Council tax]