Property Advice for Students in London

Students in London spend more than anywhere else in the UK, not because they are more extravagant, but simply because the cost of living in the capital is so much greater than other major cities. London-based students are expected to spend as much as £17,000 per year on all living costs and a big portion of this is spent on accommodation, so it is important to know what you’re doing and to make wise decisions when concerning where you will live.

Starting with the good news; as a student you do not have to pay council tax on your property. Every bit helps towards saving money but there are a number of requirements to fulfill before this can be taken advantage of. Firstly, the property has to be accommodated only by full-time students. Secondly, students should ask for a certificate from their university to prove that they are full-time and they indeed qualify to not pay council tax. This should then be shown to the local authority for confirmation.

Choosing where to live in London is a tricky decision and many universities are centrally based, so unless you are prepared to spend a fortune, chances are you will have to live further afield. Public transport isn't generally a problem because most places are connected by The Underground while buses cover the entire city. However, simply choosing the cheapest accommodation might not be the wisest idea. Make sure the area you select is safe, and often the cheapest isn’t the safest. Also, be sure not to live too far out because commuting could take a long time. Students are easy targets for crime and can often be careless, so it is important to have insurance for your property in case of any burglaries.

Finally, every university should have an accommodation department which will offer advice and help for any students looking for a roof over their head. They will often know where to find the best deals as it is their business to ensure that students are well accommodated.