What is accommodation like in London?

Short Term Options

About ten million people live in London. Many of them are not permanent residents, so there is plenty of short term accommodation, including:

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hostels -  dorms from £10-£30 per night, from £60 per week

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hotels - anything from £50 per night

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B & Bs (bed and breakfasts) - anything from £30 per night

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a good mate, cousin, or cousin's friend's uncle - a couple of cans a night!

Longer Term Options

We can help you out with accommodation by advising you on how to find somewhere to live in the longer term. Good sources include:

bulletletting agents
bulletads in local papers
bulletTNT Magazine, a free weekly travellers' magazine that can be found around London in “travellers' haunts” and by major tube stations
bulletNew Zealand News UK, also available near some tube stations
bulletLoot, a newspaper with classified ads (similar to Trade & Exchange)

As with most cities the central districts tend to be the most expensive places to live with the prices becoming cheaper further out from the centre.

Flat Sharing

Sharing a house or flat with others is a cost effective means of living in London. 

Flats and houses are available to rent but are expensive and the prices can fluctuate considerably. However, they can be cost effective if you get together with others. As a rough guide for a one bedroom flat, prices would start from about £80 per week (in the outer areas) to about £150/200 per week closer to town. A room can cost anywhere from £50 to £100 per week; the more people you are willing to share with the cheaper it will be (if a bit more cosy!).  In most cases you will need one month’s rent in advance, and a deposit of one month’s rent.