4 minute read
When to start looking
Typically, the majority of private accommodation in London is only advertised one to two months before it is available. A few agencies specialise in student lets and may advertise earlier in the year, with a start date in September.
However, if you are looking on the open market, estate agents won’t know what properties are available for September/ October until June, July or August. If you start looking earlier than this, you may be expected to pay rent on a property you aren’t ready to move in to.
Advertisement
Whilst some private halls allow you to reserve a room all-year round, many only release their availability for the next academic year in January.
Whatever accommodation type you choose, don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. Before agreeing to any tenancy, check our contract course to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
Search timeline
JANUARY, FEBRUARY
Start speaking to your friends about whether you want to live together. Think about where you want to live and what budget you have.
If you want to live in Private Halls now is the time to make enquiries.
MARCH, APRIL, MAY
Attend our annual Housing Events. Meet local housing providers, speak with experts and learn about house-hunting dos and don’ts.
Landlords begin to advertise properties and take advanced bookings.
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
This is a good time to look at housing providers; they will have a better idea of what will be available in September and October.
SEPTEMBER
Left it to last minute? Don’t panic and agree to a property that wont suit your needs. It may be worth getting short-term accommodation to ease your search.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
Isaac
Read more about Isaac’s house search: bit.ly/Isaac-accommodation-blog
MOVE IN! Relax and enjoy your new home.
Types of accommodation
Use our handy chart to figure out which type of property is right for you.
Do you want to live on your own? yes no
Do you want to have your own bathroom? yes no
Rent a room yes no
Do you want to share a house/flat with friends or people you know?
Happy to share a bathroom and a kitchen?
Share with your friends
Also want a separate lounge and bedroom?
Become a lodger! Choose between living with the landlord, or find a room in a houseshare among other room renters.
Get a bedsit yes yes no no
You’ll have your own kitchen in your room, but will share bathroom facilities.
Rent a studio apartment
Consider renting a one-bed flat
Cherish more personal space! Be aware: this is an expensive option.
Everything you need in one place!
Find a home with friends. You’ll sign a Joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy which means everyone will be equally responsible for the property - choose your housemates carefully!
Would you like to live in a student hall environment with shared facilities e.g. kitchen? no yes
Try a studio in a private hall
Get the best of both worlds! Complete privacy within a student environment.
Live in a cluster flat within a private hall
You’ll have your own room - sometimes even an en-suite - but will share your kitchen with other students
Where to look
There are plenty of websites that advertise spare rooms or available flats, but it’s worth looking for sites and listings that specifically cater to students.
Imperial Home Solutions
• Search for properties advertised by private landlords and other students
• Search travel times to and from campus
Letting Agents
A letting agent advertises properties on behalf of a landlord. They manage the process until the tenant has moved in. The landlord collects the rent and deals with repairs. Letting agents must be a member of a letting agency’s redress scheme and a client money protection scheme.
Managing Agents
Managing agents can manage properties on behalf of a landlord. The agency will hold your deposit, collect rent and be responsible for repairs to the property. You have the legal right to know the name and address of your landlord.
List Of Agents
bit.ly/ic-agents imperialhomesolutions.co.uk
• Post messages about the kind of room (or roommate) you’re looking for
• Save your preferences and favourites
Redress Schemes
• The Property Ombudsman tpos.co.uk
• The Property Redress Scheme theprs.co.uk
Accreditation Schemes
• Property Mark propertymark.co.uk
• National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) - nrla.org.uk
Halls of residence
Staying in a halls of residence is a popular choice as it offers a sense of familiarity Imperial offers accommodation in selected halls for continuing students. There are numerous private hall providers offering a range of room types and facilities.
Imperial Halls - Evelyn Gardens and Parsons House
Staying on in College accommodation for another year could be a great transitional option.
Visit our returning students accommodation page to find out more: bit.ly/continuing-students
Private Halls
Though the rent can include utilities and internet, it can be more expensive than flat shares. Private halls offer 51 week contracts. Check the cancellation policies before signing a contract.
Visit our Private Halls page for more details: bit.ly/private-halls
Resident and private Landlords
Resident landlords may advertise rooms in a property they are living in. This option may be less expensive as bills may be included.
If the landlord resides in the property, they may enforce house rules. Be sure to check this before signing a contract. If house rules are agreed upon it is advised that you confirm these in writing.
Private landlords have one or more properties that they rent out. They advertise their properties through: agencies, websites, social media, noticeboards, newspapers or on Imperial Home Solutions.
Housing For Students With Disabilities
If you require modifications to your property due to a disability, the landlord should accommodate this need within reason. The rent or deposit should not be increased due to a tenant having a disability.
Newer builds have a higher chance of accommodating those with disabilities. It may also be more difficult to make modifications to properties that are older.
Disability Rights UK – disabilityrightsuk.org
Where to live
London’s diversity makes it an exciting place to live. Each area has a unique character so you’ll need to think about what best suits you. Here are a few things to consider when deciding:
• What’s your budget?
• Does the area feel safe?
• Does the area have the amenities you need?
• How will you get to College; how long will it take?
Area guide
Our Area Guide map highlights the 16 most popular areas Imperial students choose to live in, along with the average prices for the area and travel times to campus.
• Are there public transport links nearby?
• Does your route involve a long walk? (consider latenights or poor weather)
• Do you prefer the bustle of the city or a quieter area?
£226-286
£301-361
Rent Rates
On the opposite page is a map showing London postcodes colour-coded based on the median monthly rent rates of a 1-bed property. The rent data used comes from London Rents Map, a website that provides a useful overview of rent areas in Greater London. Visit their website at: london.gov.uk/rents
