So, you got into university in London amazing! But now? It's time to figure out where you'll sleep.
You’ve got the acceptance letter in your inbox, maybe even shared the news with your family and friends. Then suddenly it hits you: Where am I going to live? And just like that, you find yourself spending hours scrolling through websites, typing “student accommodation London” into every search engine, and feeling completely exhausted by the options.
It can be overwhelming. Private halls, university-managed rooms, studio flats, shared houses it all starts blurring together after a while. And the truth is, you'll likely spend more time in your accommodation than anywhere else during term time. So it has to work for you.
To help you avoid the common traps (and some less obvious ones), I’ve put together this list of 10 things every student should check before committing to accommodation in London.
1. Your Commute is About Time, Not Distance
One of the biggest rookie mistakes? Thinking that living “close” by miles means living close in practice.
In London, it’s not about how far your place is it’s about how long it takes to get to class with buses, Tube, walking, delays, and London traffic. I once lived 3 miles from campus and still spent 50 minutes getting in during term time.
Make sure to:
- Run a test commute using Google Maps set to arrive by 9 am
- Look up weekend and night transport if you’re planning late shifts or study sessions
- Don’t underestimate how much daily travel drains your energy
2. Understand What ‘All Bills Included’ Really Means
Some landlords or providers say “everything’s covered” but what they mean is some things are.
Before you sign anything, find out:
- Is Wi-Fi part of the rent?
- Are energy or water bills capped with a usage limit?
- Is there a separate laundry fee?
One friend of mine got slapped with £110 in surprise heating charges three months in because her flat had poor insulation and wasn’t on an unlimited bill plan.
3. Always Ask for a Virtual or In-Person Viewing
No matter how good the photos look, don’t make decisions based on staged rooms and wide-angle edits. You’d be shocked how often what’s in the picture isn't what you walk into.
If you can’t visit in person, ask for a proper video viewing with someone walking you through the specific room or flat you’re considering, not just the building’s best unit.
Red flag alert:
If they rush you to pay without a viewing or ignore this request entirely, walk away. You deserve to know where your money is going.
4. Double-Check That the Area Feels Safe Even at Night
I once viewed a flat that was lovely inside but the street outside felt a bit sketchy after sunset. You can’t tell from a listing whether an area feels safe in the evenings, and in a city like London, neighbourhoods can change drastically street by street.
Here's what helps:
- Ask older students or alumni what areas they recommend (or avoid)
- Use crime stats websites and forums
- Check late-night transport options nearby (overground/TFL buses)
5. Housemates Matter (Even More Than You Think)
Whether you choose a shared flat or student hall, who you live with will massively influence your day-to-day.
And if you're going shared, don't just assume you'll click with everyone. Try to find out:
- How many people are in the flat?
- Are your housemates also students (or working professionals)?
- Is it mixed gender?
- Are they all at similar stages all undergrads or a mix?
One year I lived with five people fun at first, then chaos. By week six, half the kitchen was mouldy leftovers and no one spoke unless it was a passive-aggressive note on the fridge.
6. Read the Fine Print on Your Contract All of It
Don’t just skim. Accommodation contracts come with cancellation policies, payment terms, deposit conditions, and lots of legal wording.
Key points to focus on:
- Entry and exit dates
- What happens if you leave early
- What’s the process if repairs are needed
- When and how your deposit gets returned
If anything feels unclear, take it to your university’s housing service or a student union rep. They’ve probably seen it all.
7. Trust Verified Listings, Not Facebook Comments
Facebook groups can be handy. But they’re also where a lot of scams live.
I know a guy who lost £750 to a “landlord” that disappeared one week before term started all from a comment thread on a student group.
What made my accommodation search easier the second time? Using Student Accommodation Guide they only list verified properties and landlords, there’s no spam, and you can compare everything in one place (from student halls to studios to full flats). I found my current flat through them, and the listing looked just like it did online.
8. Check If Your Deposit Is Protected (It Should Be)
Private landlords must register your deposit in a government-backed scheme (like MyDeposits or the DPS). Always make sure this is included in the agreement.
And confirm:
- How much the deposit is (usually 4–6 weeks’ rent)
- How long they take to return it after your lease ends
- What counts as “damage” versus normal wear
If they don’t mention a protection scheme? That’s a problem.
9. Budget Beyond Just Rent
The price tag on the listing often leaves things out transport, food, laundry, uni supplies… it adds up fast.
Here's a rough average for monthly costs:
| What | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared room (basic) | £700–£900 |
| Ensuite private hall | £950–£1,300 |
| Travel (Oyster/trains) | £100–£140 |
| Food and groceries | £180–£250 |
| Extras (books/laundry) | £50+ |
Don’t book a flat because it's barely affordable now ask if it’s sustainable all year.
10. If It Feels Off, Don’t Ignore It
This part’s simple: if a listing seems strange, vague, or “too cheap for Zone 1,” it probably is.
No contract?
Unprofessional messaging?
No option to see the space (even digitally)?
Trust your instincts. You’re allowed to slow down, ask questions, and walk away.
Final Words
Finding student accommodation London that truly fits your budget, lifestyle, safety needs, and course location takes effort but that effort pays off. It’s not just where you sleep it’s your downtime space, your study zone, your go-to when life in London feels overwhelming.
Get the fundamentals right location, trust, contract, cost and you’ll already be ahead of most students.
Need a starting point? Ask yourself: Do I want calm and quiet, or energy and people? Can I deal with a 30-minute Tube ride if the rent's cheaper? What’s non-negotiable ensuite, safety, or flatmate vibes?
Decide on those a bit early, and things get easier fast.
Want support making the final decision?
- I’ve got a pre-move checklist I can share with you
- Or a spreadsheet for comparing accommodation types side-by-side
- Or check out listings on Student Accommodation Guide you’ll thank yourself later
You’ve already made it to London. Now let’s help you find a place that actually feels like home. You’ve got this.