Most students agree that studying in London is a fantastic experience. Some of the world’s highest-regarded academic establishments are here, such as Kings College, UCL, LSE, and Westminster.
We understand that choosing your student accommodation in London is a big deal and you want the very best student lettings available.
Before you start scouring the market for suitable accommodation, there are some important things to consider:
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What’s your budget?
Once you’ve set out your budget and requirements our team of letting experts can get to work on finding your dream student accommodation in London.
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Which area?
If you want to be in a vibrant area with plenty of restaurants to visit and exclusive bars or if you want to be somewhere more quiet and chilled out where you can relax on a private balcony or outdoor space in the heart of the city, then Fortess Homes will help you find the right space to fit your needs
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Who will you be living with?
Chances are that you’ll be sharing your accommodation with other people. Choosing the right person to share with is very important
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Who will take responsibility for what?
Living in student accommodation comes with some responsibilities. Before you move in, work out how the bills will be paid.
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Halls of residence
Halls of residence are usually reserved for first-year students, and are a great way to ease into the experience of living independently. They’re often situated on or near the university campus, and provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow students.
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Average costs
Costs vary considerably, depending on which educational establishment you’re attending. Your maintenance loan should cover minimum living expenses.
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Room in a private house
This is sometimes a cheaper option, but the downside is that you’ll be living with your landlord, not your friends! However, there are some benefits. For example, some landlords may include meals for an additional cost.
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Private flat
This is an expensive choice of accommodation, but the perk of having privacy may make it worth the extra cost. You’ll not only have a bedroom to call your own, but also a kitchen, living area, bathroom and perhaps outdoor space too.
Attending viewings
Once you’ve got a shortlist of accommodation options, it makes sense to view them in person. One in ten student groups sign a contract for the first house they view, but that doesn’t mean you have to – you may want to see a few, so you can compare what’s on offer.
- Location. Check out what’s in the vicinity. For example, a bus stop or a local convenience store are likely to both be useful to you in the future. If it’s a walkable distance to your university, find out how long it’ll take to get there. If it’s not, make sure you check how much it’ll cost in train or bus fares to get to your lectures.
- Surrounding houses. Does it look like a good neighbourhood? Are the surrounding properties in relatively good order? It’s never a good idea to rely on gut instinct alone, but neither should you ignore it. If a place doesn’t feel quite right, that usually means there’s something wrong with it.
- Security. You’ll be leaving valuables in this property, so you want to be assured that it’s safe to do so. Check the access points, and make sure there are locks on the doors and windows. Ideally, the road will be well lit at night too.
- Safety. Your safety is a top priority. Make sure fire alarms have been installed, and that fire extinguishers and fire blankets are functional and accessible.
- Pests. Pests are a real problem, especially if there’s a significant infestation in the house. Look for evidence of mice, rats, slugs, banana flies and pigeons – all of these can cause serious problems.
- Water pressure and leaking. Ask to see the showers and taps in action, to check the water pressure is adequate. Look around the bases of sink units too, just in case there are any problems with leaking.
- Energy efficiency. If the property is old, it might not be that energy efficient. This is bad for the environment, and means you’ll pay more for your heating too. Ask about the energy efficiency, and find out if the property is well insulated too.
- Damp. Damp houses are not only unpleasant to live in, they can be bad for your health as well, especially if mould is present. Check for mould around windows and in the bathroom, and press your hand to the walls. Usually, you can tell if a wall is damp, as it feels slightly clammy and cold to touch.
- Furniture. It’s worth noting that any house advertised as student accommodation needs to supply a desk and chair in each bedroom. Make sure you find out what else is included in the tenancy agreement.
Fortess Homes Estate Agent will never pressurise you into signing a contract. We are here to help you on your new journey of independence by finding you suitable and affordable accommodation
If you’re ready to start searching for student accommodation in London, get in touch with the Fortess Homes team today. We specialise in helping students find the ideal properties and shared homes, in great areas close to educational establishments.
To find out more, get in contact with us here or contact our Lettings Negotiator team today!
