Great, you’ve been accepted at university and even better, it is in London – one of the best and most exciting cities in the world. However, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, which means high travel and food costs and could also mean pricey accommodation fees.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the eye-watering prices of student housing in London, you’re not alone. I’ve helped countless students, including family members and some of my friend’s children to find accommodation in London so I thought I would share with you a secret that could save you thousands of pounds and make your transition to university life so much smoother.

The Traditional Student Housing Trap

Let’s begin with how it starts for pretty much everyone. You get your university acceptance letter (congratulations!), and immediately the panic sets in about where you’re going to live. Everyone seems to be rushing to book student halls because, well, that’s just what you do, right?

Don’t get me wrong, university halls or private halls offered by some of the massive companies can be great. You have your own en-suite room, they are usually well located and often have facilities such as gyms and on-site cinema rooms. Plus, you are away from your parents so living in a building with 300+ other students has its good points.

But here’s the reality – student residences in London (especially Central London) often cost upwards of £400 per week. That’s a massive commitment, usually requiring you to sign up for a full academic year before you’ve even set foot in the city. Think about it – you’re potentially committing over £10,000 to live in an area you don’t know, with people you’ve never met, for an entire year, regardless of whether you stick with your course, change unis etc. That’s quite a leap of faith!

A Practical Alternative

There’s a simpler way to approach your first few months in London. Rather than rushing into a year-long contract for student residence/halls, consider starting with a homestay for your first semester/term. You’ll live with a London family or host in their home, giving you time to properly get to know the city and your university life.

It’s quite straightforward – book a homestay for one semester, spend that time settling into your studies, making friends, and understanding which areas of London you like best. By the time you’re ready to look for a house-share or other accommodation, you’ll have a much better idea of where and with whom you’d like to live. Plus, you’ll have saved a considerable amount on rent in the process.

You might be thinking, I don’t want to live with a family, I have just come from a family, I want to be independent. Well, just let us know! We have plenty of hosts who just offer self-catering or B&B and live busy lives themselves. They would be more than happy to have a student who wants to do their own thing and be independent. 

The Financial Reality Check

Let’s be honest about the numbers. Traditional student halls in central London can easily cost you over £20,800 for a year’s contract at £400+ per week. That’s before you’ve even bought your first textbook! That’s a large sum to put on your student loan or chuck out of any savings you might have.

A homestay, on the other hand, offers much more affordable weekly rates and – here’s the brilliant part – you only need to commit for a semester or even just a couple of months. This means you can save thousands of pounds while giving yourself time to make an informed decision about your longer-term accommodation. And you never know, you might find that homestay living suits you well and you want to extend your booking!

Finding Your Feet in London

During your homestay semester, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to really get to know London. You can explore different neighbourhoods, make friends through university, and learn about the local rental market – all with the support of a local host who knows the area well. Instead of being locked into an expensive contract, you’re free to take your time finding the perfect houseshare or alternative accommodation with your new uni friends.

The Smart Student’s Action Plan

Here’s what your journey could look like:

• Start with a semester-length homestay
• Spend time getting to know London and making friends
• Find like-minded people for potential house sharing
• Make an informed decision about your next move

Your Next Steps

Ready to explore the smarter way to start your London adventure? We’re here to help you find the perfect homestay match for your first semester. Our experienced team at London Homestays specialises in connecting students with welcoming host families across London.

Get in touch to discuss your preferences and start your London journey the smart way!

You can use the quick contact us form here, or if you are ready to apply, complete our online homestay enquiry form here.

P.S. Don’t let the pressure of traditional student accommodation push you into unnecessary debt. Take control and have your own London experience not one set out for you designed to get you into debt you will be paying off for years.