A student's guide to renting in London

Start looking at the right time

For a September start, June and July are the sweet spot. Search much earlier and the good properties are not listed yet; much later and you are competing with everyone.

You will probably need a guarantor

Most landlords want a UK-based guarantor earning around thirty times the monthly rent. If you do not have one, approved guarantor services exist, ask before you start applying.

Budget properly

Rent is only part of it. Add bills, council tax if you are not exempt, contents insurance and travel. Full-time students are usually exempt from council tax, but check.

Where to look

For UCL and SOAS, look at King's Cross, Camden and Bloomsbury. For Imperial, South Kensington and Earl's Court. For London Business School, Marylebone and Regent's Park. Zone 2 with a direct line often beats Zone 1 with a change.

Do not pay anything before viewing

Whether in person or by live video. Never transfer a holding deposit to secure a property you have not seen and cannot verify.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, please take professional advice on your own circumstances.