How to rent a flat in London?

• Platforms to search on:
  

“IntoLondon”

(http://www.intolondon.com/) 

“Easy Roommate” 

(http://www.easyroommate.com/) 

On these two sites you need to register (it is free), then you can enter your requests, consult the ads and directly contact advertisers.

“Spareroom”

(https://www.spareroom.co.uk/)

The name says it all, a room which is spare in a house, it depends who will be your room-mates rather than where exactly you will be living!

Use social media groups, sometimes provided by your school, outgoing students will often post housing offers and information.

“Rightmove”

(http://www.rightmove.co.uk/)

It is the most used site in the UK to search for houses and / or rooms to rent (but also to buy).

“Zoopla”

(http://www.zoopla.co.uk/)

It is managed by real estate agencies.

“Gumtree”

(http://www.gumtree.com/)

It’s a generic ad site. It is used frequently to search for rooms and apartments:

anyone can post an ad and anyone can reply. However, we can not always quality control as it is not possible to establish the honesty of advertisers.  In other words, keep your eyes open for scams.

• List of documents:
  

 – ID 
 – Copy of Visa
 – Official letter (like utility bill) as a proof of identity (address and name) 
 – Electoral register 

If you are employed:

 – Recent pay slips for the last three – six months
– A current employment contract
 – A tax return for the most recent tax year

If you are self employed:

 – Evidence of income (for one – three years) via bank statements or invoice records, company details (such as a certificate and tax returns)

If you are a student:

 – guarantor with his/her information

In the UK, it is expected to check the tenants character, hence it is recommended to have references

(from a previous landlord or an employer)

• Where to live:
  

Camden / Hampstead – good nightlife / restaurants, feels happening, still close to central (Northern line), Hampstead is a bit posher but if you go a bit further it is very affordable by London standards.

Shoreditch – fun, young hipster vibes, really cool bars and clubs.  If that’s a bit out of price range, Bethnal Green right next door is also a good alternative (also better connected with central line).

Dalton – the new shoreditch, a bit cheaper probably but still feels very trendy, not directly on the tube but you’re on the east London overground line so it’s not best for commuting, but still manageable and that’s reflected in the price.

– Kensington and Chelsea (posh and expensive but definitely the best and if you look for it you can find good deals)
– Fulham which is near Chelsea but cheaper and let’s say Hammersmith too but surely places not too far near Fulham
– Battersea (Clapham Junction station) which is south side of the Thames but really nice to live and lots of people are moving there cause it’s cheaper and mostly new, connections are really good even if there’s no underground but you have trains and overground every few mins
-Vauxhall, again it’s in the south but I love the connections with the centre

Understandably, the center is the most expensive, in general we suggest you stay in West London or central London if it’s suitable for you budget.  

Looking at your guarantor:

They should earn three times the rent, have full-time employment, and own their own home

(the strictness of these requirements depends on the agency).

What is the budget in need to live in London?

• Housing
  

A one bedroom apartment averages at £650 ($1,000 USD) per month if you’re in the city; £550 ($850 USD) if you’re outside of the city.

The average of utility costs per city £40

(depends on the region you live in)

check it out:  https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/why-are-energy-rates-different-by-region

Internet: costs about  £32.28, or $40.62 USD a month, which is the 63rd cheapest in the world

• Food Costs
  

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about costs about £15.00.  Groceries will set you back about £80-£100 a week including food, basic laundry and toiletry items.

• Transportation Costs 
  

Transportation in London is among the most expensive in the world, with a monthly pass for public transport being £150.00.  However, there is a student discount if you get the Oyster card, which save you 30% on Travelcards, as well as Bus & Tram Passes.  Make sure to have it on you at all times!

• Entertainment Costs 
  

For the movies it costs about  £7- £8 on average.

For the disco/clubs it costs about  £15- £20 on average for entrance fees. 

Currency conversion 

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=USD

Check cost-of-living website

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/London

Tips

Be sure to check with you school to see if any restaurants, bars, etc. in the area offer student discounts, otherwise be sure to check with your international student card provider (if applicable) and see if they offer any deals.  Don’t be afraid to ask any establishment if they offer student discounts, sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised! 

Use the app Unidays for discounts (restaurants, supermarkets, fashion, technology…)

What is the local subway company in London?

 How can I get around London?

• Drivers license:

 License is from EU (+ Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland)

simply exchange it to a British one 

License holders from designated countries:

Have 5 years starting from when they become residents to exchange their foreign license for a British one.

Foreign license will only be valid for the first 12 months of your time in the UK.

(designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe)

 Not from a designated or EU:

Use your driver’s license in the UK for up to 12 months, from the day you entered the UK, then you will have to take a test to obtain the British license

 https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

• Public transportation
  

Oyster card:

https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do

18+ Student oyster photo card

– save 30% on adult-rate travel cards and bus and train pass season tickets

– you have to live in London borough

– you have to be enrolled at school

Get a Railcard

Get a 16-25 Railcard or 26-30 Railcard and add it to your 18+ Student Oyster photo card, or standard adult Oyster card to get 34% off pay as you go off-peak fares and daily caps for:

– Tube
– London Overground
– TfL Rail
– most National Rail services in London

You can take this subscription in several modes:

– you pay monthly

– you pay each time you take the subway (with your card directly connected to your bank account)

– or you can apple pay each time you take the subway.

Is London a safe city?

In general London is a metropolitan city where pickpocketing is very present in crowded places and public transportation . Being aware of possible dangers includes making sure you have good transportation from the underground to your home. Don’t forget that vehicles come from the other side of the road than in other countries.Traffic is very hectic and many accidents happen.

• Areas that aren’t that safe at night
  

 – Parks

https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/staying-safe-in-london

Things you should know about the UK

1. You can become friends with everyone in London, people in grocery stores want to be your friends, but they never really say what they think, they are very polite and reserved.
2. The London underground has a badge “Let’s have a talk” people invite you to talk to them instead of being on your phone.
3. Students use Bumble to meet new people.
4. London can not be compared to the rest of England.
5. If you manage to obtain your national insurance number, it will allow you to get jobs without paying taxes.