Alternative Accommodation for Students
This page was updated on 31 May 2023
UCL Accommodation is striving to help UCL students find high quality accommodation at affordable prices. As the demand for accommodation exceeds the capacity of our own properties, we have partnered with strategic private providers and secured offers exclusively for UCL students.
This page includes information about:
- University of London Housing Services
- Short Stay Accommodation
- Student Accommodation Portals
- Student Accommodation Providers
- Private Rental Accommodation
- Special offers for UCL students
Resources available
The Students' Union UCL has put together a guide to accommodation for 23/24 academic year.
The University of London has a Private Housing Guide, that is available for all UCL students. They can also assist with contract checking and legal advice.
Citizens advice is a charity that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity that offers housing advice and support online and over the phone, for free.
UCL Rent Guarantor Scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to assist eligible full-time UCL students to rent private accommodation that might not otherwise be available, by UCL acting as a guarantor where the student is unable to secure any other UK-based rent guarantor.
The Scheme is open to overseas and EU students and in exceptional circumstances to UK students where no alternative UK guarantors are available.
Learn more, including how to apply for the Rent Guarantor Scheme at UCL.
Students with additional requirements
If you have additional needs that impact your requirements for accommodation whilst studying at UCL, you may be entitled to stay in UCL accommodation throughout your studies.
Learn more about the accommodation offer for students with additional requirements.
Homelessness
If you are an enrolled student, and you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and need support with emergency accommodation please contact Student Union UCL Advice service on su.advice@ucl.ac.uk. The Advice Service can signpost you to relevant sources of support, and can refer you into an emergency accommodation process at UCL if you’re eligible.
University of London Housing Services
The University of London (UofL) Housing Services offers a range of assistance and support for students who are looking for and living in private accommodation in London. The University of London’s Housing Advice property platform can help you find private rental accommodation, including information about accommodation options and how to find flatmates.
Additionally, there is specific information about short stay accommodation, which can include anything from a few nights to a couple of months. You may find you need to arrange this type of accommodation while you are looking for long term accommodation, when you first arrive in London or at the end of your studies.
You are encouraged to register for this service using your university email address for quicker approval to access the site.
Student Accommodation Portals
These websites are portals (aggregators) where you can search and book from a wide range of student accommodation providers. Please note that you may need to pay a fee for this service.
Student.com
Student.com specialises in helping students find accommodation that fits their budget and their needs. Book your room and get a £100 Uber Voucher.
uhomes
Student accommodation specialists.
University Living
University Living helps students across the globe find suitable and secure accommodation near their university campuses.
Student Accommodation Providers
If you’re interested in a hall where the offer for UCL students has expired, or the UCL quota was met, you can still apply for accommodation in these properties on the provider’s website for the price advertised by the provider.
Britannia Student Services
A British Council approved student accommodation provider specialist in housing International and Home students, visiting or studying in London. Accommodation options include student halls of residence, homestay or apartments/houses to share. Britannia Student Services specialise in flexible lengths of stay and no guarantor is required.
Chapter Living
Student accommodation provider that gives residents access to all of their London locations, including their amenities and calendar of activities and events.
Eleanor Rosa House
This is a self catered Intercollegiate Halls of Residence located in Stratford, near UCL East. This accommodation is available to UCL students and those attending any college of the University of London.
International Students House
International Students House provides accommodation in Central London. They offer a range of room types for one or two people, or a family.
iQ Student Accommodation
Find your space with iQ. With 17 locations across London, choose the student life that you want. iQ offers a great range of rooms, studios and apartments in the capital, with all-inclusive bills, private bathrooms and superfast WiFi to keep you connected.
UCL has secured special rates at four IQ sites in London: Will Wyatt Court, iQ Tufnell House, The Arcade and iQ Highbury. Use University code 'UCL2324' when you make your booking.
London Nest
London Nest offers high-quality rooms for students near universities and top locations in London as student residences during the academic year and short term lets.
Unite Students
Unite Students is an independent organisation providing accommodation to students in London. Unite Students was the UK’s first private provider of purpose-built student accommodation.
Urbanest
London based student accommodation provider, with buildings close to the UCL campus.
Vita
Student accommodation provider offering studios in London at Lewisham Exchange, Zone 2.
Private Rental Accommodation
If you choose to explore private rental options, there are a variety of companies that can be useful for your search.
OpenRent
A direct to landlord letting service.
RightMove
A private property portal, with properties to rent direct from landlords and agencies.
SpareRoom
Geared towards moving into an existing shared flat, but there are sometimes whole properties listed as well.
Zoopla
A private property portal, with properties to rent direct from landlords and agencies.
Special offers for UCL students
iQ Student Accommodation
UCL has secured special rates at four IQ sites in London: Will Wyatt Court, iQ Tufnell House, The Arcade and iQ Highbury. Use University code 'UCL2324' when you make your booking and save up to £10 per week on list prices.
Student.com
Get a £100 Uber Voucher when you make your booking.