The Student Support Office can give advice on looking for accommodation in London, and we are happy to discuss your individual requirements and circumstances. You can contact us by phone or email.
Where to Live?
Most students find that it is cheaper to live outside of central London (Zone 1 on the Tube Map), even taking into account the extra travel costs this entails. From outside central London the average travel time to the RCA is 45 minutes or more.
At present, areas of the East End such as Bethnal Green, Hackney and Whitechapel are particularly popular with RCA students.
However if you would like to live closer to the RCA Kensington campus, the more affordable areas are considered to be Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush and for students at the Battersea campus, Clapham and Balham.
To find out about an area try looking at Living in London, the Timeout Guide London and Stuck in London.
Looking for Accommodation
First you need to consider what you are looking for. Our 'Accommodation Types' guide provide information on the different options available.
House-shares
RCADE; This is the College's on-line learning environment that has an accommodation offered and accommodation wanted forum. Here you will find adverts for rooms and properties from landlords and students. You can also post an add to find other students looking for accommodation. You will be given access to this shortly after you receive your offer.
You can also register with the following search databases to find and contact potential house-shares;
*Gumtree is a good place to look for accommodation, but has been targeted by fraudsters. You should never pay money or be asked to show a money transfer just to view a property. Contact Student Support if you have any doubts.
Private Student Residences and Hostels
Student Residences and Hostels are good for students who would prefer
to have their rent inclusive of bills and other amenities. They are
also good for overseas students as they can be bookd online prior to
arrival.
Visit our Student Residences and Hostels listings to find out further information about making a booking.
Letting Agencies
If you wish to live alone, as a couple or with a group of friends and are
looking to rent a whole house, flat or a studio you are best to contact a
letting agent.
Letting Agencies act on the behalf of landlords who advertise properties
with them. Agents normally deal with properties in their locality, so if you
know the area you would like to live in you should go there and visit all the
different lettings agents to see what is available.
Findaproperty is
a good website for looking at the properties available at different letting
agencies across London.
Property Finding Services
These companies look for accommodation on your behalf, and guide you through the process of finding somewhere to live. They charge a fee for this service but this does mean that you can hunt for somewhere to live without being in London.
Kahil and Kane offer this service to international and UK students, and can arrange house-shares.
Field and Son cater for UK students looking for accommodation in the East End of London.
Viewing a Property
You should never pay money to a landlord or letting agent to view a property, or be asked to show evidence of a money transfer. If someone asks you to do this, you should not contact them again and look elsewhere.
It is a good idea to take someone with you when you go to look at a place. It is safer and also less easy for a householder or agent to pressurise you in taking it. Two people are also more likely to spot potential problems.
You should also try to talk to current tenants or other neighbours away from the agent. Ask them what the place and area like, how much the bills are and if there is anything else you need to know.
For more detailed information about viewing a property, please go to the London Student Housing Guide.