OTHER COSTS Don’t forget to include these other costs in your budget.
Travel - get discounted travel with a student Oyster card
Food Socials Phone bills Council tax (if you are not living with only full-time students - see page 28) COST OF LIVING Get information about the cost of living in London, money saving tips and advice on where you can access financial support if you need it from the College’s website: bit.ly/ic-living-costs
SCAMS Avoid being scammed. Your safety and security is most important, so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Be suspicious if you are asked to wire money through services such as Western Union
View the student accommodation fraud warning issued by the Metropolitan Police: bit.ly/imperial-fraud-warning
Be sure to check that the property actually exists, photos are not a substitute
How can you protect yourself against scams?
Never pay for a deposit in cash. Use a credit card if you can – this offers more protection
Never send money upfront before you’ve viewed a property Avoid listings that have no photographs Visit the rental property in person and check the landlord’s ID Check the authenticity of any safety certificates (e.g. gas safety)
Use the land registry to check if the landlord is the legal owner of the property. See page 16. Warning: Don’t be pressured by aggressive sales tactics. There are always plenty of properties to choose from. 9
