Last minute Homestay Accommodation
Are you starting a course at one of London’s many universities this September? Perhaps you have gone through the clearing process or missed out on the deadline for halls of residence, and you’re worrying about where you’re going to live. Student accommodation isn’t the only option – read on to find out about last minute options for London students.
Many students at London educational establishments choose to live with a host family, especially foreign students adjusting to life in the UK. You’ll be able to choose a house which is in your preferred zone, near your university, and there are catered options available if you haven’t quite mastered cooking yet!
Living with a host family can bridge the gap from living with your parents to living completely on your own. It can be quite daunting, and homestay accommodations gives you the independence you need while offering help when you need it. Moving to London can be scary because it’s such a big place, so you’ll always have your host to ask about local transport, places to go etc.
Another advantage of a homestay is you don’t have to sign a contract and commit to a certain amount of time. When booking we’ll need to know your estimated length of stay, but you pay per week so you should be able to add extra weeks if needed. If you choose a private landlord or halls of residence, you’ll have to commit to a year minimum. You can stay with a host family for a short while until you find something more permanent, or you can book a homestay per term.
Flatshare, Spare Room
Many students who don’t stay in university halls rent a property privately with other students. This might be the same price or even cheaper than staying in halls, however beware there are many rogue landlords in London. Make sure you view the property before agreeing to live there, and read the contract thoroughly before signing it. Make sure you consider all of the costs involved – at halls of residence your rent will probably include all bills and internet connection, while sometimes you might have to pay bills on top when renting from a private landlord.
You can also search online for anybody who has a spare room they are willing to rent out. Be careful of sub-letting an apartment from a tenant, as you don’t have any legal rights if you haven’t signed a contract and you aren’t registered as a tenant yourself.
The student homestay experience is a great choice. This is our busiest time of year so contact us today to secure your room in London.
