Colleges in London - Settling into Student Life in the UK

The thought of re-locating to study abroad may seem overwhelming, however many Universities and colleges in London will assist International students by providing support services which can make the process of settling into the UK slightly easier. An accommodation service is usually included amongst these services, which provides information and assistance for students looking for somewhere to live.

Accommodation for Students

Students will usually have the option of living in Halls of Residence which is a specific type of accommodation offered by universities and colleges in London. Halls of Residence are university or privately owned and managed, custom built accommodation blocks for students only.

It is possible to live in single sex or mixed residences if you prefer, and you will find the location of the accommodation is likely to be near or on the college site. These residences do not usually provide prepared meals, but generally are well-suited to overseas students who would like to be part of a student community. Prices vary depending on location, size of room and whether they are private or college owned but generally start at around £213 a week for a room with an ensuite bathroom in Zone 1.

Positive Aspects of Student Halls of Residence

Choosing Halls of Residence benefits overseas students by providing an accommodation option with the least amount of risk in terms of expectation. Students will know exactly where they will be living in London and with whom, providing a relatively easy and worry-free choice of accommodation and lifestyle. Halls of Residence provide new students with a friendly, often International community to engage with, and are usually located within walking distance from the college campus.

This type of accommodation is usually self contained and standardized with inclusive high specification facilities such as private kitchens, bathroom, TV, internet and onsite laundries and community relaxation areas.

Some communal, on site facilities provided by Halls of Residence may include a Gym, laundry, café, shop and bar.

If you want to study and live centrally, Halls of Residence provided by colleges in London, or even privately owned are often the most affordable and convenient option for International students.

Also, Halls of Residence buildings maintain a strict security system enabling students to feel free to leave their belongings safely if travelling during the holidays.

Restrictions of Halls of Residence

Living in Halls of Residence may present limitations for some people which may make it a less suitable accommodation option.
Certain restrictions exist in most Halls of Residence relating to a minimum stay of 50 weeks, advance payment required and a limit to the number of visitors a resident is allowed to bring onto the premises at one time.

Despite the fact that most rooms are standardized, some may be very short on space and not comfortable to study in for prolonged periods of time, also you may find that other students in the building can be disruptive.

Most new students starting at colleges in London will spend their first year in Halls of Residence before moving into a less structured type of accommodation, such as a shared house, as it allows them time to settle into living in London and provides an opportunity to develop friendships.