Alternative Accommodation for Students

This page was updated on 13 November 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.  

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. 

Check out our article, how to avoid housing scams in your search for student accommodation, to learn more about the support available to UCL students.

Apply for UCL Accommodation

UCL Accommodation is currently accepting bookings from all UCL students who are looking for accommodation for the 2023-24 academic year. To apply, log into the UCL Accommodation Portal and select the correct term to start your application. There is availability across locations and at a variety of price points. Offers are sent to applicants daily, so please make sure you check your email inbox. 

Webinars

You can access a recording of our recent Housing Advice webinar, which gives advice on finding private housing. The webinar includes representatives from the University of London, Housing Services, UCL Accommodation, and the Students' Union UCL Advice Service, answering questions about private renting, budgeting, and alternative accommodation options. Current UCL students offer their perspectives and talk about their own experiences. Watch the Housing Advice webinar on YouTube.

Resources available to UCL Students

At risk of homelessness

If you are an enrolled student and you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (having no access to, or ability to fund, long or short term accommodation), you may find some useful information on Students’ Union UCL’s Finding Emergency Accommodation webpage.

The Students’ Union’s Advice Service cannot find or provide accommodation for students, but can discuss your situation and help explore your housing options. They can also signpost you to further accommodation opportunities and relevant sources of financial support (if needed). If you need support or would like to discuss your housing needs, please contact Students’ Union UCL via their Advice Service contact form.

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' Union UCL and general resources

The Students' Union UCL has put together a guide to accommodation for 23/24 academic year.

Students can use the Flatmate finder to find UCL students to live with in private rental accommodation, or spare rooms listed by other UCL students. This helpful tool is run by Students' Union UCL.

UCL students can access the University of London Flatmate Finder group on Facebook. Here, students can connect with other students looking for houseshares, share knowledge and advertise rooms in the shared houses they live in. 

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. 

The UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team

UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team places your security at the forefront and is on hand to give advice and information to keep you safe in London. You can contact the Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team with any safety concern by emailing directly via crimeprevention-personalsafety@ucl.ac.uk or anonymously and confidentially, withholding personal details, via Report+Support.

UCL has a student blog with advice on where to live in London if you will not be living UCL Accommodation. 

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.

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.

Property Platform

UofL Housing Services offers a property platform through which students can find and secure accommodation from reputable providers. UofL does not place students in accommodation - you must find and search for suitable options. 

Students must have a valid student ID / offer letter (ideally showing their graduation date) to register. You are encouraged to register for this service using your university email address for quicker approval to access the site. 

Short stay accommodation

Additionally, UofL Housing Services offers dedicated 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.

University of London only offers short stay accommodation during the summer every year. Room bookings are open from the end of June until August.

You are encouraged to register for this service using your university email address for quicker approval to access the site. 

Flatmate Finder Facebook group

UCL students can access the UofL Flatmate Finder group on Facebook. Here, students can connect with other students looking for houseshares, share knowledge and advertise rooms in the shared house they live in. 

All join requests and posts must be approved by UofL before going live. Students must have signed up to the property platform to be approved on the group. 

Advice Service

Students can access the UofL Housing Services advice service for issues they are experiencing in private rented accommodation. Issues include (but are not limited to):

• Contract advice
• Disrepair
• Deposit disputes
• Landlord harassment
• Infestations
• Evictions

Short Stay Accommodation

The University of London (UofL) Housing Website has dedicated information regarding short stay accommodation. Short stay accommodation 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.

Couples and Family Accommodation

International Hall has a small number of flats available for students with children. Information on the application process and deadline for students with children at International Hall can be found on the University of London website. The application process differs slightly for students with families and you will need to submit an application form. Please email the University of London for further information. 

There are some private halls and housing associations who can assist with couples and those with children. Places are limited, so we would advise you to get in touch with them as soon as possible:

•    Goodenough College 
•    International Students House 
•    Nansen Village 
•    Zebra Housing Association

Student Accommodation Portals

Hybr

Hybr is a new, personalised student accommodation platform that is completely free. Whether you are looking for a place for you and your mates or a place on your own, Hybr will be able to help! Blending technology and expert customer service to guide you through the rental process and make things are as easy as possible. They can also help you get set up with bills and other household responsibilities.With Hybr you get: access to thousands of student accommodation options across all price ranges, personalised service and access to a growing platform that helps students make the most of their time at uni and beyond.

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

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.

Londonist

Londonist offers 2000 rooms across 50 prime locations in London, encompassing Zones 1, 2, and 3. Their Wick Park Residence is a modern building equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities located 20 minutes walk from UCL East.

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 portals

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

Britannia Student Services

UCL students can access special rates with Brittania for a variety of accommodation types, including: Britannia South Bank, International Hall, Nutford House, Apartment Shares, House Shares, Homestays.

Check out the Guide To Room & Occupancy Type for more information. All bookings can be made via email at info@britanniastudents.com or by phone on +44 (0)20 7436 7738.

Londonist

Book a room at any Londonist property directly from their website, indicating that you are a UCL student and get a £100 Amazon voucher when you book 24 weeks or more. For bookings under 24 weeks, receive a one way airport transfer. 

Scape Wembley

UCL students can access ensuite rooms starting at £250 per week through the University of West London at Scape Wembley. To access this special offer, complete an application form and add 'Student of UCL' in the additional comments section. Learn more about the rooms and benefits at The University of West London Accommodation and selecting Scape Wembley.

Student.com  

Get a £100 Uber Voucher when you make your booking.