Advantages of Private Student Accommodation for International Students in London

There are few student experiences quite like moving to London to study. Academically, you’ll have access to some of the best educational facilities in the world and outside of your studies, you’ll get to explore one of the best student cities in the world.

If you’re already planning to study in London, we don’t need to sell you the city. You’re probably already making lists of what you’re going to do first and Googling places to go.

But before you get too deep into planning activities in London, you’ll need to find somewhere to live. This can be a tricky decision. Not only is London a massive city with loads of distinct areas, but there are also a bunch of different accommodation options.

One of those is private student accommodation, and it’s an increasingly popular option for students of all kinds. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about London private student accommodation and the benefits it offers international students.

Let’s get started.

What is Private Student Accommodation?

Private student accommodation is a special kind of housing created just for students. It features a variety of facilities and services designed to meet students’ needs.

These accommodations are typically owned and run by private companies, not directly connected to the universities. In London, you'll find private student accommodation in different forms, including:

Studio apartments
En-suite rooms
Shared flats

So, let's dive into the 10 awesome benefits of London private student accommodation for international students:

1. Choice of Location

One of the best things about private student accommodation in London is the sheer amount of choice you have location-wise. If you’re moving to London from abroad, you’ve probably got the image of Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye in mind.

But there’s a lot more to London, and it’s a massive city. It’s got loads of different, distinct areas with their own charm and character.

Here are just a few of the different areas to consider:

Bloomsbury – Home to garden squares, the University of London, and the British Museum, Bloomsbury is a very popular student area. You'll find beautiful Georgian architecture, inviting cafes and bars, and plenty of bookstores.

Hampstead – A charming area in North London, Hampstead is known for green spaces like Hampstead Heath and its pleasant high street filled with independent shops, cafes, and pubs.

West Kensington – A lively and diverse area in West London, West Kensington offers a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spots. Its proximity to universities like Imperial College London makes it a popular choice for students.

Choosing private accommodation means that you can choose where you want to live in London. This is a big advantage over university-run accommodation is usually pretty limited in terms of locations.

2. Proximity to Transport Links

Being able to get around London quickly is absolutely essential for students (it means you can snooze your alarm a few times and still get to lectures on time!). One of the best things about private accommodation is that they’re usually pretty close to transport links. Whether it’s a tube station or a bus stop, you’ll be able to get around London easily.

If you’re not familiar with London transport, here’s a quick rundown:

The Tube – London's extensive underground train network is the fastest way to get around the city. With multiple lines and stations, you'll be able to reach any part of London.

Buses – London's bus network is extensive, with hundreds of routes covering the entire city. It's a great way to travel above ground and see the sights.

Cycling – London has dedicated cycle lanes, making it easy and safe to get around by bike. Santander Cycles also offers a bike-sharing scheme, so you can easily rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.

Being close to transport links also means that you don’t have to live on your university’s doorstep. If you’re going to University College London but fancy living in Hampstead, you’ll still be able to get to class quickly.

3. Your Own Private Space

Despite what a lot of people believe, university isn’t all parties and fun. While you’ll undoubtedly enjoy your free time, you’ll need a space to study and unwind after long hours in the library.

Most student accommodation in London is shared, which means dealing with other people’s noise and habits. But with private student accommodation, you’ll have your own space. Most providers offer a range of rooms with different facilities but most include:

En-suite bathrooms – Nobody really wants to share a bathroom with people they don't really know. With private student accommodation, you’ll get your own bathroom, so you’ll never have to worry about cleanliness and hygiene.
Kitchenettes – A lot of private accommodation come equipped with a small kitchen space that’s perfect for making meals. They usually have a small fridge, microwave, kettle and other cooking appliances so you can prepare meals when you want without having to worry about others.

Having your own private space can make a massive difference while you’re living in London. For many, private student accommodation makes it a lot more comfortable than other options.

4. Contract Flexibility

One of the big problems that students face with both rental properties and university-run accommodation is the length of contracts available. This often results in students paying for accommodation for longer than they need. Private accommodation offers you a lot more flexibility in terms of contracts and payment options:

Shorter contracts – Unlike university-run accommodation, which often requires students to commit to lengthy contracts, private accommodation providers may offer shorter and more flexible lease terms. This is particularly beneficial for those on exchange programs, short-term courses, or those who prefer not to be tied down to a long-term contract.

Advance payments – For students who want to secure their accommodation and budget their expenses, private accommodation providers may offer the option to pay rent in advance (sometimes with a discount!). This allows students to plan their finances effectively and avoid any unexpected costs during their stay.

Monthly payments – Private accommodation providers also allow students to pay their rent on a monthly basis. This payment plan is helpful for those who prefer to spread their expenses over time, making it easier to manage their budget while living in the city.

Private student accommodation doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution for a place to call home when you study. By choosing private accommodation, you’ll be able to find a contract and payment plan that works for you.

5. All-inclusive Bills

Speaking of payment plans that work for you, how do all-inclusive bills sound? One of the most appealing aspects of private student accommodation in London is the convenience of all-inclusive bills and rents. It allows you to focus on your studies and enjoy your time studying rather than worrying about setting up a bunch of different utility payments.

But that’s not the only benefit:

Streamlined expenses – All-inclusive rent packages typically cover the cost of utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet services. This payment structure makes it easier for you to manage your finances and eliminates the need to set up separate utility accounts.

Budget-friendly – By knowing exactly how much you’ll be paying each month, you can budget more effectively and avoid any surprise expenses. This financial transparency helps you plan your living costs and ensures a more stress-free experience while studying in London.

Time-saving – With all-inclusive rent, you can save time and energy that would otherwise be spent on managing multiple bills and utility accounts. This allows you to concentrate on your academic pursuits and fully immerse yourself in the London experience.

All-inclusive bills take the hassle out of your accommodation, give you the chance to create an easy-to-manage student budget and enjoy London.

6. Close to Universities

Most students in London don’t want to spend ages on the tube every morning to get to class. That’s why most private student accommodation is close to one or multiple London universities. This makes private accommodation an ideal choice for all students but particularly international students who don’t know London that well.

By being close to uni, you’ll be able to enjoy:

Shorter commutes – By living close to your university, you can massively reduce the amount of time it takes to get to class every day. Most accommodation is only a short tube ride away from campus and some are close enough to walk. This means you’ll have more time to spend on your studies, with your friends and you’ll enjoy a much better work-life balance.
More campus involvement – Being close to your university means you’ll be able to take part in more university events. If you’re part of any clubs or societies, you’ll be able to take part in everything which can massively improve your uni experience.
Lower transport costs – Not having to get multiple tubes to class every day means you’ll be able to keep your commuting costs down. It also means you’ll be able to spend that money on other things, whether it’s socialising, exploring the city or buying course materials.

By choosing accommodation close to your university, you can take advantage of the benefits we’ve listed above. But that doesn’t mean you have to be close to university, some students prefer to live a little further away or in a specific part of London they like.

7. Safety and Security

Moving to a new country and city for your studies is a big life change. While you’re probably incredibly excited, you might also be a bit worried about safety (your family probably are too). A crucial aspect of private student accommodation is safety and security and accommodation providers do everything they can to keep students safe.

They do this in a number of ways:

24/7 security – Many private accommodation providers employ round-the-clock security personnel or maintain partnerships with local security companies. This constant presence helps deter potential threats and ensures that assistance is readily available in case of emergencies.

CCTV surveillance – Private student accommodation often comes equipped with CCTV cameras in common areas and around the building's exterior. This surveillance system enhances overall security, acting as a deterrent to criminal activities and providing evidence if needed.

Secure entry systems – To prevent unauthorised access, private accommodation buildings typically feature secure entry systems, such as electronic key cards or coded entry. This level of access control helps maintain the safety of residents and their belongings.

By choosing private student accommodation with robust security measures, students can feel safe and secure in their living environment.

8. Hassle-free Maintenance

There are few things more frustrating than being in the middle of studying, and your lights stop working, or the internet drops out. Unfortunately, these things happen wherever you choose to live from time to time. But one of the big advantages of private student accommodation is having a maintenance team available to help.

Most private accommodation providers have on-site maintenance teams that are happy to help out with any issues that crop up. This means that problems are solved quickly, and you can get back to your studies quickly.

Alongside that, most private accommodation providers schedule regular checks and upkeep for their rooms and studios. This means that they can find potential problems and fix them before they go wrong.

Having maintenance and help available whenever you need it is a big advantage over rental properties. If something goes wrong in a rental property, you’ll need to contact your landlord, who will then arrange for an external contractor to fix the issue, which can take time.

9. Fully-Furnished Rooms and Studios

Another great thing about private student accommodation in London is that the rooms are fully furnished, meaning you can move in with ease and minimal hassle. This is a big bonus for international students as you won’t need to worry about buying everything when you arrive.

Although it varies, most private accommodation includes:

Comfortable bed with bedding and bed linen
Sofa or sofa bed
Chairs
Table

Plus, the kitchens in private student accommodations are usually fully equipped with:

Basic utensils
Plates
Cups
Glasses
Cutlery.

Not having to worry about furnishing your living space or purchasing kitchen essentials is a significant advantage of private student accommodation, saving you both time and money. It also ensures that you have everything you need for a comfortable and productive stay in London.

10. Designed for International Students

Finally, one of the biggest advantages of private student accommodation is that it’s designed to cater for international students. Most private accommodation providers understand that finding somewhere to live in a new country can be tough. That’s why they make everything as easy as possible with:

Easy-to-understand processes
Fully-furnished accommodation
Flexibility
Easy-to-access support
Helpful student guides and content

Plus, private accommodation providers understand the unique cultural and social needs of international students. They strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring that international students feel at home in London.

By choosing private student accommodation, you can feel confident that you'll have the support you need to thrive in a new country and city. The providers go the extra mile to make the transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy all that London has to offer.

Ready to Find Your Private Student Accommodation in London?

As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to pick private student accommodation in London if you’re an international student.

But what’s the next step?

Your next step is to take a look at the different private accommodation options around London. Here are some of the best:

Looking at a specific university? If you’ve already been accepted on a course, you can take a look through our university accommodation guides:

At StudentStudios2Let, we understand the challenges that international students face when relocating to a new country. That's why we do everything we can to help students settle into London life and make the most of their time here. We're here to assist you in finding the perfect private accommodation that suits your needs and preferences.

Explore our student accommodation options today and find a place to call home. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to get in touch with our lovely team and they’ll do everything they can to help.