If you are not familiar with the types of accommodation available in London, here is a brief description of those on offer.

• Houses: It is quite common for a group of students (usually three or more) to rent a house together. Usually each person has their own room and the lounge, kitchen and bathroom are shared.

• Flats/Apartments: Flats are more commonly rented between two or three students. Conditions are similar to a house, but a flat is smaller. It might be a part of a large house divided in five or six flats, or a block of purpose-built flats.

• Studio Flats: A studio is basically a one-bedroom flat. It is a large all-purpose room, with a separate kitchen and bathroom (usually small). It is suitable for one person or at most, a couple. It is an expensive option for a single student.

• Bedsits: A bedsit is a single, smaller room with all the facilities in the one room, except a bathroom, which is usually shared. This is probably the cheapest type of accommodation where you can live alone. However good bedsits are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

When renting any of the above you should check if they will come furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished. Part-furnished and unfurnished will end up costing you more as you will need to buy furniture and household items.

• Student Residences: There are a number of private student halls across London. Many are centrally located, offering a wide range of facilities including 24-hour security and internet access. However it should be noted that these residences can be expensive: prices range from £750–1,300 per month, dependent upon location and facilities. Private student halls may be particularly good for international students as they are normally inclusive of all bills and can be booked prior to arriving in the UK. Click here for a list of private student residences.

• Hostels: Accommodation is usually available in either single or shared rooms, although some do have flats for family accommodation. Bathroom/shower facilities are usually shared and there are areas for watching TV and socialising. In most hostels students eat in a communal dining area. Hostel accommodation is particularly good for international students as most are inclusive of bills and can be booked prior to arriving in the UK. Click here for a list of hostels.

• Host Families: Some students prefer to live with an English family. We occasionally have contacts with families looking for lodgers.

• Ad Hoc Property Guardians provide low-cost accommodation to tenants who look after vacant properties such as flats, schools or offices. All basic living requirements (bathroom, water, kitchen, etc.) are provided. You need to register with Ad Hoc to be considered. They cannot guarantee the length of the tenancy, so it is not the most secure option, but the possibility of living in a large and/or unusual space appeals to many.

• Flat-Club: Short-term accommodation aimed at students that can be rented on a nightly basis.

• Transit Short Term and Emergency Accommodation: If you find yourself without accommodation when you first arrive, the London Tourist Board will be able to help you book a hotel or room. It has centres at Heathrow Airport and Victoria Station. Telephone enquiries can be made on +44 (0)8456 443010 or visit their website.