London is an incredible city for students, but finding the right flat can be challenging. Unlike LSE’s student halls, private renting comes with extra considerations. You will have to decide where to live, budget wisely, find reliable flatmates, arrange viewings, and fully understand your contract before signing. If you’re heading to LSE and need a place to stay, here is everything you need to know.

Where to start your search

London’s rental market moves quickly, so start early and keep your options open. Some of the best places to look include:

• SpareRoom for finding house shares with students and young professionals.
• Rightmove and Zoopla for renting whole flats or apartments.
• OpenRent to connect directly with landlords, often avoiding agency fees.
• Facebook groups where many students post about available rooms, though be careful of scams and always verify listings before making payments.

Tip: Start searching six to eight weeks before your move-in date. The best properties go fast, so have your paperwork and deposit prepared to act quickly.

Best areas to live near LSE

Your choice of neighbourhood depends on your lifestyle, budget, and commute. Here are some of the best areas for LSE students:

• Close to campus: Covent Garden, Holborn, Bloomsbury, and Fitzrovia. These areas allow you to walk to LSE and enjoy plenty of cafés, parks, and study spaces. However, they come with higher rent prices.
• Well-connected and affordable: Islington, Angel, Camden, Kentish Town, Elephant and Castle, and Bermondsey. These areas have a great mix of transport links, social life, and lower rent than central London.
• East London hotspots: Aldgate East, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, and Shoreditch are lively and creative areas with trendy coffee shops, cultural events, and plenty of supermarkets and restaurants.

Tip: If you are on a budget, living slightly further out can save you hundreds on rent. Just make sure the commute is manageable, as a long or complicated journey can add unnecessary stress to your daily routine.

Budgeting for your flat

Planning your finances is important as renting in London can be expensive. Here’s what to consider:

• Rent: Prices can range from £800 to over £2,000 per month, depending on the location and property type.
• Bills: Heating, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi typically add up to £100-£150 per month.
• Transport: A student Oyster card helps reduce travel costs.
• Deposit and fees: Most landlords require a five-week deposit, held in a government-approved scheme.

Tip: Full-time students do not have to pay council tax. Register with your local council to avoid unnecessary charges.

Finding the right flatmates

A good flatmate can make or break your experience. Before moving in together, have a chat about:

• Daily routines and habits: Are your schedules compatible?
• Splitting bills and cleaning: How will you divide responsibilities fairly?
• Guests: Are visitors or overnight stays okay, and how often?
• Lifestyle preferences: Do you want a social space or a quieter home?

Arranging a viewing

Before committing to a place, take the time to check everything carefully. A good viewing can help you avoid unexpected issues later

• Check the landlord or agent using the Mayor of London’s website to see if they have been fined or prosecuted. It is always better to verify before signing anything.
• Look out for any issues like damp, mould, faulty sockets, or signs of pests. Landlords and agents may not always point them out.
• Request a virtual tour via a video call if you cannot visit in person.
• Talk to the current tenants if you can. They can give you honest feedback about the property, the landlord, and any ongoing issues.

Tip: Prepare a checklist before your viewing so you do not miss any important details. Taking photos or videos can also help you compare options later.

Understanding your tenancy agreement

Before signing anything, check:

• Length of tenancy: Is the contract fixed or flexible? Most agreements are for 12 months, which is longer than the typical academic year. You may want to negotiate a shorter lease or decide if extending your stay over the summer is worth the cost.
• Deposit protection: Your deposit must be placed in a government-approved protection scheme to ensure it is returned fairly at the end of your tenancy.
• Break clause: Some contracts include a clause that allows you to leave early under specific conditions. Check if this option is available.
• Maintenance responsibilities: Clarify whether the landlord or tenants are responsible for repairs. If the landlord promises to fix something before you move in, get it in writing.

Tip: If you are unsure about anything, LSE provides a contract-checking service through the UoL Housing Service before signing a tenancy agreement. Click here for more information and to make an appointment.

Final thoughts

Finding a flat in London can feel overwhelming, but with some planning and the right approach, you will find the perfect place in no time. Good luck and happy house-hunting!