Key Features to Look for in Private Student Accommodation in London

Making the decision about where to live while you study in London is a big one. In a city as big as London, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. But making the decision can be tricky, and you want to be sure you’ve made the right one.

Your accommodation will be your home away from home. It’ll be where you’ll pull all-nighters cramming before exams, cooking your meals, hosting movie nights and living during some of the best years of your life.

Most students in London have three accommodation options: university-run halls of residence, private shared housing or private student accommodation. If you’re considering the latter or you’re unsure which one to choose, we’re here to help.

We’ve put together all the key features of private student accommodation in London and what to look for when you’re searching. We’ve broken it down into three main categories: the accommodation, location and the accommodation provider.

What is Private Student Accommodation in London?

Before we dive into what you should look for in private student accommodation, it’s pretty handy to know exactly what it is. Once you’ve got a decent idea of what it is, it’ll help you to explore your accommodation options with confidence.

So what is it?

Put simply, private student accommodation is a student housing option for students of all levels, from undergraduate to PhD students. The accommodation is typically owned and run by private companies like StudentStudios2Let.

While there are a lot of similarities between private accommodation and university-owned residences, they’re not to be confused. University halls of residence, or “halls” as they’re known, are usually the first port of call for first-year students but less popular and available to older students.

London private student accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes. From self-contained studio apartments to shared flats, there’s something for everyone. But not all private accommodation in London is created equally.

That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when you’re searching for your student digs.

Let’s dive in.

First Up, The Accommodation Itself

While the location and private accommodation provider are undoubtedly important, it’s the accommodation itself that’s most important. It’s the space you’ll call home while you’re studying, so you want to make sure you like it.

When you’re looking for accommodation, there are some key things to consider, like the type of accommodation, its features and facilities and the cost. Let’s dig into your options and what you should keep an eye out for.

Accommodation Type

As we’ve mentioned, there are different types of private student accommodation available in London, and it;’s good to have an idea of your options. The type of accommodation you choose can have a huge impact on your uni experience.

Here are the main accommodation options:

• Studio apartments – These offer a private, self-contained space where you can study, relax, and live on your own terms. If you're someone who values privacy and quiet, a studio apartment can be an excellent choice.
• Shared accommodation – If you're more of a social butterfly, living in a shared flat can provide plenty of opportunities to make friends and create a sense of community.

It’s important to note that while private studio apartments give you more privacy and independence, there will still be other students around in other studios in your building.

Room Features

Once you’ve got an idea of the type of accommodation you like, it’s a good idea to see what features are available. The features of your room or studio flat can have a big impact on how comfortable you are in your accommodation.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• A comfortable bed – Sleep is crucial for your health and academic performance, so a comfortable bed is a must.

• Storage space – From clothes and textbooks to kitchenware and personal keepsakes, you'll need enough space to store your belongings.

• A dedicated study space –Look for a sturdy desk and a comfortable chair where you can focus on your studies.
• Cooking facilities – Check to see if your room has its own kitchen area or if you’ll have to share a kitchen with others.

• Natural light – A room with good natural light can boost your mood and productivity.

It’s also good to see if there are any policies about what you can and can’t have in your room. Personal touches can really make your space feel like home, but you’ll need to make sure any restrictions first.

Other Facilities

While your room or flat will be the place where you spend a lot of your time, it’s always worth checking to see what other facilities are in your building. Different accommodation providers offer a range of facilities that can make your experience a lot better.

When searching for your accommodation, check to see if you have access to:

• Outside areas – Access to outdoor spaces like gardens, courtyards, or rooftops are great places to relax, enjoy some fresh air, study outdoors on sunny days, or even host a barbecue or outdoor event.
• Laundry facilities – Doing laundry might not be the most exciting part of student life, but it's necessary. Having on-site laundry facilities saves you the time and hassle of finding a local launderette.
• Communal spaces – These shared spaces are perfect for socialising with other students. Whether you want to host a movie night, watch a big game, or just relax with a book, communal spaces can provide the perfect setting away from your room.

Next, Location

There are few better places to be a student than London. In fact, it was recently voted the best student city in the world. Thousands of student flock to the city every year to get the London university experience. But much of that experience rests on where you choose to live.

Choosing the perfect location for your student accommodation is about more than just picking a spot that looks nice. It’s about finding a place that fits your lifestyle and, importantly, helps you to smash your studies.

From the proximity to your uni to the transport links and the local amenities, where you choose can live can have a massive impact on your daily life and overall uni experiences.

Here’s what to look out for:

How Close Is it to Campus?

Let’s kick off with one of the most practical factors – how close is your accommodation to your university campus? Now with the world-famous tube and red London buses, you might not think this is all that important. But the closer you are to uni, the less time you’ll spend on stuffy tubes and the more you can spend partying, studying, working and socialising.

Plus, being able to pop home between lectures can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s to grab a book you need or have a quick power now, it’s a game-changer living close to campus.

Say you’re planning to study at University College London (nice choice!), choosing student accommodation in Bloomsbury is a great idea. It’ll mean that you’ll just be a short walk from campus which you’ll appreciate for those early lectures on chilly winter mornings.

How Easy Is It to Get Around?

Being close to your university is fantastic, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to explore London. The good news is that London’s got one of the most extensive public transport systems in the world. Beyond the tube and red buses, there are public bike hire services and even a Thames boat service.

When you’re looking at your accommodation options, check to see how close the nearest tube station and bus stop is. Being close to transport links can have a significant impact on your London experience by giving you easy access to:

• London's attractions – London is a city steeped in history and culture. From museums and art galleries to music festivals and food markets, there's always something happening.
• Social events – Whether it's a gig at Camden's Electric Ballroom or a boat party on the Thames, London offers loads of social events that you won't want to miss out on
• Part-time jobs or internships – Many students work part-time or do internships during their studies. Easy access to public transport can make this a much smoother process.

What’s In The Area?

Beyond being close to uni and being able to get around London easily, it’s also important to check what amenities are in the area. The first things you should check are practical things like:

• Supermarkets – Is there a shop nearby where you can pick up food and other essentials? A nearby supermarket means you can easily grab some pasta for a late-night study snack or pick up some fresh fruits for a healthy breakfast.
• Health centre – A lot of students aren’t known for prioritising their health, but you should check how nearby a health centre or clinic is. Some universities have dedicated health centres, but if not, you’ll need to register with your local clinic.
• Pharmacy – Nothing can ruin your concentration like a headache or heartburn. Having a pharmacy nearby means you can always get any medicine you might need. They often sell other essentials like toiletries which can be handy too.

Once you’ve checked that you’ll have access to the essentials, you can move on to the more interesting local amenities:

• Restaurants and cafes – A selection of good restaurants and cafes nearby offers a break from cooking and a great place to meet up with friends. From grabbing a quick coffee before lectures to enjoying brunch on the weekend, local eateries can add a lot to your student life.
• Parks – Having a green space where you can relax, read a book, or have a picnic with friends can provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Luckily, there are loads of fantastic parks in London, so you’re bound to be fairly close to one.

Don’t forget to check out the area for activities and amenities that much up with your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you’re an avid bowler, check if there’s a bowling alley. Or, if you’re an international student, check to see if you can get home comforts anywhere nearby.

Finally, The Accommodation Provider

If you’ve found where you want to live and it’s got everything you need to have the best uni experience, the last thing to check is the accommodation provider. When it comes to private student accommodation, the company that runs the accommodation plays a massive role in shaping your experience.

Their reputation, the customer service they provide, security measures and contract terms are all important considerations. It’s vital that you research and understand these aspects before signing any paperwork.

Studying at university can be stressful occasionally, especially when you’ve got deadlines or upcoming exams, the last thing you want is more stress from where you’ve chosen to live.

Here’s what you should check out:

Reputation

Your first port of call should be to check the reputation of the accommodation provider. This is quite a straightforward thing to check, and you can do it in a few ways:

• Reviews – Check the company’s reviews to see what people are saying. You can also check student forums to see if there are reviews from anyone that’s lived there before. Reviews can give you a realistic idea of what it’s like to live in the accommodation.
• Recommendations – If you know anyone that lives or has lived in London, pick their brain to see if they know about your accommodation choice or if they know anyone that has. Speaking to someone in person is one of the best ways to gauge the quality of the accommodation.
• Speak to the company – After checking reviews, one of the best ways to check the reputation of a company is to reach out to them. If the company gets back to you quickly, is open about pricing and policies and treats you with respect is likely to provide a good living experience.

Customer Service

Most students who choose to live in private student accommodation will live there for at least six months. During that time, you’re bound to have interactions with the people that work for your accommodation provider. Because of that, it’s important to check what customer service is like.

Good customer service can make your accommodation feel like a home away from home. Here are a few things to check:

• Responsiveness – How quickly does the company respond to your emails or phone calls? A company that values its residents will prioritise their queries and concerns.
• Maintenance – Things break – it's a fact of life. When they do, you want to know that there's a system in place to get them fixed promptly. Ask about the company's maintenance services and response times.
• Friendly staff – When you visit the accommodation or call the company, are the staff friendly and helpful? The people who work for the company can greatly impact your overall experience.

Security

Moving to a new city can be intimidating, and a lot of people naturally have concerns about safety. As cities go, London is quite a safe city, but it is still a city, and it’s a good idea to air on the side of caution. When you’re choosing where to live, you should check to see what security measures the accommodation has.

Here’s a few things to look out for:

• CCTV cameras – Are there cameras monitoring the premises, especially in common areas?
• Secure door entry systems –These can prevent unauthorised access to the building.
• On-site/on-call security staff – They can respond quickly to any security concerns.
• Well-lit premises – Good lighting can deter potential intruders and make you feel safer when returning home late at night.

It’s always a good idea to ask about security measures when you’re considering where to live.

Contract Terms

Last but not least is the contract terms for your accommodation. Like most contracts, the devil is in the details, and it’s important to understand what you’re signing. Getting to grips with your contact will save you from nasty surprises later on.

Here are some things to consider:

• Payment terms – When is the rent due? What payment methods are accepted? Are there any penalties for late payments?
• Inclusions – What does the rent cover? Does it include utilities like gas, electricity, and water? What about Wi-Fi and access to facilities like the gym or study rooms?
• Length of stay – How long is the contract for, and can it be extended if you decide to stay longer?

If you’re not quite sure about something or it doesn’t feel quite right, it’s a good idea to get someone else to take a look. This can be a family member, or there may be somebody at your university that can help.

Ready to Find Your Private Student Accommodation in London?

So there you have it, all the features to look out for when choosing private student accommodation. Choosing the right student accommodation is about more than finding a place to sleep—it's about finding a place that supports your studying, fits your lifestyle, and makes you feel at home.

By carefully considering the accommodation, location and provider, you can make an informed decision that will make your university experience in London all the more enriching and enjoyable.

This process might seem daunting, but remember — this is an exciting chapter in your life. Take your time, do your research, ask all the questions you need, and trust your instincts.

At StudentStudios2Let, we do everything we can to guarantee students have the best university experience possible. Our private studio flats across London are available for students of all levels and come with the following:

• Comfortable bed with bedding and bed linen
• Sofa or sofa bed
• Chairs and a table
• Fast Wi-Fi
• Fully equipped kitchenettes

Explore our private student accommodation options in London and find your home away from home. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us, and we’ll do everything we can to help.