10 Tips to get Best International Student Accommodation in Central London

Studying abroad may be the best way to gain greater knowledge, but, it isn’t a piece of cake. From visa to scholarships and from accommodation to banking activities, you need to plan everything. Every year there are tons of international students coming to central London looking for the best student accommodation.

It must be so exciting for you to come to a new place. But, why bog down the excitement over so much planning when you can have student accommodation companies that can help you plan everything. Here, we are going to unravel some tips that will help you find student accommodation in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

1. Scholarships

Scholarships work differently around this part of the world. While the students of the European Union get scholarships easily, International students may not get scholarships that easy. Some of the scholarships that International students can look at for the academic costs are.

  • Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
  • Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford.
  • Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships.
  • Denys Holland Scholarship at University College London.
  • Bristol University International Office Scholarships.
  • University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships.

These scholarships can be government-sponsored or by some non-government organizations. Chevening scholarships are available for undergraduate students. While for masters, you can have a commonwealth scholarship.

There are many criteria that you need to fulfill for getting these scholarships. Considering the number of costs for student accommodation and other expenses in central London universities, getting a scholarship or student loan is not a bad idea!

2. The Visa

A student visa is a must for your study abroad. The visa rules depend on the country you are from. If you are from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland then there is no reason to worry about the Visa. But, if you are an international student than Visa can be an issue.

Here, student accommodation companies like oxcee, can not only help you get a good space to live but, great support for a visa. If you are looking for a part-time job along with the studies, then you will need special permission.

There are two kinds of visas for studying abroad. One is the short-term visas and the other is the long-term visa. If your course is more than 6 months, you will need a long-term visa.

3. Arrival Arrangements

Why we are discussing this? Because if you are planning to search for your student accommodation in a city like London then you should plan. If you are arriving in London there certain are things that you will need.

  • Sim Card
  • Pick and Drop Facility
  • Bank Account
  • Tube Pass
  • Lodging

These are the basic things that you may need when you first arrive in London. You may visit the city two to three months earlier. It will help you browse through different student accommodations in central London.

4. Expenses

So, when you start browsing through the properties, you will need to have a budget. There are a re lot of expenses apart from the college fees and student accommodation. Some of them are.

  • Cost of Laundry
  • Food expenses
  • Commute cost
  • Internet bills
  • Furniture rents
  • Library Passes

Also, there are clothing, shopping, and other such costs. You need to count each cost in your ledger.

5. Maps

The most important partner in finding the best student accommodation in central London maps. They can help you understand the exact distance of any accommodation from your university campus. Here, you can use Google maps. It can help you get directions. It can also help you understand the locality.

Another way is to show yourself around the area. So, you will get a grasp of the locality around your student accommodation. For example, if you are finding student accommodation for vegetarian Indian student, you need to browse the area to see if it offers such food options around in London.

6. Room Sharing

When you are looking for student accommodation in central London, there are different options available. You can look for university halls. These are cheaper. But, they have only basic facilities. There are student houses. But, they may be of the victorian era!

The most preferable are PBSAs. These purpose-built student accommodations have all the facilities. From TV lounge to free internet and from exotic furniture to gaming zones, they are total fun. Though they can be costly. So, you will need one of those student accommodation companies by your side in London.

Another aspect of accommodation is room sharing policies. There are options like 3 Bedroom, dual occupancy, and others for student accommodation in London. So, before you select your accommodation, do check on the room sharing policies.

7. Amenities

PBSAs provide the best facilities. You can have a relaxed evening after boring lectures. They have gyms, bars, libraries, gaming areas, and other facilities. Some of them also provide free internet access. They also provide library passes. While others have a cinema lounge. So, you don’t miss out on the latest movies.

8. Tube Network

Whatever student accommodation you may choose, it should be near a tube station. The reason here is simple. You have time management issues in student life. So, wasting too much time during the commute is not on your platter.

As we already discussed, you can take a tube pass or a railcard for the daily commute. But, a nearby tube station is advantageous.

9. Security

Look for CCTV cameras, digital keycards, and fire alarm systems, when you choose a student accommodation. You are the most precious soul for your loved ones and you will not like to risk it.

10. Insurance

Nothing is certain in life. So, insurance is not a bad idea. For students of the European Union, the government has healthcare insurances, but, for international students, you need to purchase one for yourself.

Conclusion

From a visa to health insurance, we discuss almost everything. Yet, many elements affect your decisions. But, the best way to find affordable student accommodation in central London is to get professional help. 

If you any further doubt regarding the student accommodation or even scholarships, then comment in the below section!

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