Did you get accepted to Imperial College? Congratulations! Now it\u2019s time for the real challenge \u2013 finding a place to live in London. Something nice, clean, quiet and close to the campus.<\/p>\n
Well, unless you\u2019re a millionaire, I don\u2019t think such a place exists. If you\u2019re based at South Kensington campus, you probably won\u2019t be able to afford living close to the college, since its neighbourhood is one of the most expensive parts of London. The only exception: student halls, which are offered only to undergraduates, so not for me L But worry not, you aren\u2019t doomed! Everyone finds a place, sooner or later. I went through this process last year, so you can learn by my mistakes.<\/p>\n
I expected that finding a room in London would be challenging, so I started looking for it about a half a year before I was supposed to move there. Big mistake. I was going from one agency to another, only to get frustrated by agents smirking at me and telling me to come back a month before I need a room, preferably even later. The market in London changes really quickly: you see an advert and an hour later it\u2019s gone. I rarely do that, but this time I can recommend acting last minute \u2013 it\u2019ll save you a lot of time and stress. You won\u2019t find anything earlier!<\/p>\n
It sounds obvious, but really isn\u2019t. When you understand HOW quickly rooms appear and go, you\u2019ll be tempted to pay as soon as you see something reasonable. Resist the temptation! I know it\u2019s hard, especially when you\u2019re moving from abroad. However, it\u2019s better to spend some money for a hotel, where you can live until you find a permanent place, than donate all your savings to a \u201cscam charity\u201d. It happens more often than you think!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re an undergraduate student, you can apply for a room in one of the Imperial halls. But even if you\u2019re beginning your postgraduate studies, there are options for you. In London you can find a lot of private student halls, such as Gradpad<\/a>. Yes, they\u2019re more expensive than a shared flat. However, at least you know what you\u2019re paying for, it\u2019s safe and stress-free. Also, it\u2019s a great way to make friends!<\/p>\n Keep asking around: in person, on Facebook, by e-mails. People prefer to rent a room to a friend of a friend than to a complete stranger. So let people know that you\u2019re looking for a place to stay and ask them to keep an eye out for any adverts. Many Imperial students have found a nice flat that way. Also, renting a place from a person you (or your friends) know is a bit safer (though not completely safe!).<\/p>\n\n