Finding a place to live in London is a battle. It is arguably the most competitive and expensive rental market in the world. For an international student arriving from Lagos, Mumbai, or Accra, the shock isn’t just the price tag—it’s the speed. Good flats are listed at 9:00 AM and let by 11:00 AM.
If you think you can land at Heathrow in September and “look around” for a week, you will likely end up in an expensive hotel or a hostel for a month.
However, thousands of students do this successfully every year. The secret is not luck; it is preparation. You need to understand the difference between PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) and the Private Rental Sector, navigate the dreaded “Guarantor” requirement, and spot the scams that specifically target desperate international students.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to secure a safe, legal, and budget-appropriate room before you even board your flight.
Step 1: Choose Your Battlefield (PBSA vs. Private)
You have two main options. Your budget and your risk tolerance will dictate which one you choose.
Option A: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
These are large, dormitory-style blocks owned by private companies (like Unite Students, Chapter, or IQ).
- Pros: All bills (electricity, water, Wi-Fi) are included. Security is 24/7. You usually get an ensuite bathroom. It is the safest option for your first year.
- Cons: Expensive. Expect to pay £300–£500+ per week.
- Booking: You can book these entirely online from your home country without a viewing.
Option B: Private Rented Sector (PRS)
Renting a room in a shared house or a flat from a private landlord.
- Pros: Cheaper (if you are lucky). You get a “real” London experience.
- Cons: You manage your own bills. Quality varies wildly. You deal with private landlords who can be difficult.
- Booking: Highly risky to book without viewing.
Pro Tip: For your first year, I strongly recommend PBSA or University Halls. The extra cost buys you peace of mind. If you must rent privately, arrive in London 2 weeks early and stay in an Airbnb while you view properties in person.
Step 2: The “Guarantor” Trap (And How to Fix It)
This is the biggest hurdle for students from Nigeria or India.
Most UK landlords require a UK-based Guarantor—someone living in the UK who owns a home or earns a high salary and agrees to pay your rent if you fail to do so. Your uncle in London usually won’t qualify unless he earns 3x the annual rent.
If you do not have a UK Guarantor, you have two options:
- Pay Rent Upfront: Many landlords will accept you if you pay 6 to 12 months of rent in advance. This requires massive liquidity.
- Use a Guarantor Service: Companies like Housing Hand or UK Guarantor will act as your guarantor for a fee (usually equal to 1 month’s rent).
Pro Tip: Before you fall in love with a flat on Rightmove, ask the agent immediately: “I am an international student without a UK guarantor. Do you accept Housing Hand or 6 months’ rent upfront?” If they say no, move on.
Step 3: The Search Strategy (Platforms & Timing)
Do not rely on Facebook Marketplace; it is riddled with scams. Stick to reputable platforms.
Where to Look:
- SpareRoom: The #1 site for finding flatshares (rooms in shared houses). It has a “Buddy Up” feature to find other students to rent a whole flat with.
- Rightmove / Zoopla: Best for renting entire flats (e.g., if you are moving with a spouse).
- AmberStudent / Student.com: Reliable aggregators for PBSA rooms.
The Timeline:
- May/June: Start researching areas and budgets.
- July: PBSA rooms start selling out. Book now if going that route.
- August: The private rental market moves fast. Start contacting landlords 4-6 weeks before you intend to move.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look at the rent price; look at the Tube Zone. A cheap room in Zone 6 (like Uxbridge or Hornchurch) might cost you £150/month in train fares and 2 hours of commuting if your university is in Central London.
Step 4: Documents and Deposits
Once you find a place, you need to move fast to secure it.
The Checklist:
- Holding Deposit: Capped at 1 week’s rent. This reserves the property while they check your references. If you pull out, you lose it. If the landlord pulls out, they must refund it.
- Security Deposit: Capped at 5 weeks’ rent. By law, this MUST be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
- Right to Rent Check: You must prove you are legal in the UK. Your Student Visa (or BRP/Share Code) is required.
Pro Tip: Never pay a “viewing fee.” It is illegal for agents to charge you just to look at a property. If they ask, it is a scam.
“Sample/Template” Section: The Perfect Inquiry Message
When you message a landlord on SpareRoom, do not just say “Is this available?” You need to sell yourself as a reliable, clean tenant.
Copy and adapt this message:
Plaintext
SUBJECT: Inquiry for Room in [Area Name] - [Your Name] - International Student
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the double room listed on [Platform Name] (Ref: [Reference Number]).
A bit about me:
I am a mature postgraduate student [Age] from [Country] starting my Masters in [Subject] at [University Name] this September. I am a non-smoker, quiet, and very focused on my studies. I have previous experience living in shared accommodation and always keep communal areas tidy.
Financials:
I understand the requirement for a guarantor. As an international student, I am prepared to:
[OPTION 1] Pay 6 months of rent upfront.
[OPTION 2] Use a professional guarantor service like Housing Hand.
[OPTION 3] Provide a UK-based guarantor (my family member owns a home in London).
I am available for a video viewing via WhatsApp/Zoom at your earliest convenience.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[WhatsApp Number]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying via Western Union or MoneyGram: This is the #1 red flag. Legitimate landlords use bank transfers. If a landlord asks for crypto or a wire transfer to a country that isn’t the UK, stop. It is a scam.
- Ignoring the “Break Clause”: Most contracts are for 12 months. If you hate the house or drop out of uni, you are still liable for the rent. Always ask for a 6-month break clause, which allows you to leave early with notice.
- Forgetting Council Tax Exemption: Full-time students are exempt from paying Council Tax (which can be £1,500+ a year). However, it is not automatic. You must get a “Student Status Letter” from your university registry and send it to the local council. If you live with non-students, the house still has to pay (though you get a discount).
FAQ
1. What is the average rent for a student in London in 2026? Prices vary wildly by zone.
- Central (Zone 1-2): £250 – £400+ per week.
- Outer (Zone 3-4): £180 – £250 per week.
- Commuter Belt (Zone 5-6): £140 – £200 per week.
- Note: Private halls (PBSA) are generally more expensive than private house shares.
2. Can I share a room to save money? In private housing, this is rare unless you rent a specific “twin room” or a one-bedroom flat as a couple. Most landlords have HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licenses that strictly limit how many people can live in the house. You cannot sneak a friend into a single room; you will get evicted.
3. When should I arrive in London? Aim to arrive 2-3 weeks before your course starts. This gives you time to pick up your BRP card, open a bank account (which you need to pay rent), and settle into your accommodation before the academic stress begins.
