- Try to organise your viewings for accommodation by area to help save on costs, and to make it easier to compare properties within the area.
- Keep an eye out for transport links, convenience stores and other places that are important for you to have near your accommodation.
- Look out for any mould, damage and exposed wires. Does the property look secure (locks, secured windows etc)? What furniture does the accommodation come with? Is this in good condition?
- Don’t feel pressure to make a decision on the spot and take someone with you for a second opinion if you want one.
Finding Accommodation
It can be daunting starting your search for accommodation in London and the rental market can move quickly.
Whether you are looking for dedicated student halls, private rentals or a house share with other HSU students, we would like to offer some tips for things to think about and places to start your search.
Viewings
Top Tips
Authenticity
Check the accreditations and memberships that
your prospective landlord or letting agent holds.
Ones to look out for include:
- ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents)
- NALS (National Approved Letting Scheme)
- RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors)
- TPO (The Property Ombudsman)
You can also check them against the Mayor’s
Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker to ensure they
haven’t been previously fined or prosecuted for
housing law offences.
Double check
Prior to signing any contracts, make sure that
you understand the full terms and conditions
of the contract. Enquire and ask questions if
there is anything that you are unsure of, and
make sure the contract reflects what you and
the letting agent have spoken about. Always get
a family member or friend to double check the
contract before signing anything.
Budget
You like the property but does it fall within your
budget? Are there any additional costs you need
to consider? It might be helpful to create a draft
budget at this stage which includes rent, water,
gas, electricity, broadband, contents insurance
and TV Licence.
These are all the basic essential costs associated
with running a home. If you are sharing
accommodation with non-students you may
also be liable to pay council tax.
Remaining objective
Remain objective throughout the process of
finding the right accommodation for yourself. If
you’re sharing with others, ask yourself whether
you could live with those people. Good friends
may not always make the best of flatmates!
Starting your search
The following sites all offer private student accommodation and are a good place to start your search.
Please note that the HSU is not affiliated with these sites and has not vetted the properties listed. You should always do your research before signing any contracts or paying a deposit.
Support for students with a disability
Landlords must treat you equally and must make reasonable adjustments to accommodation.
It is unlawful for them to treat you less favourably, such as by requesting higher deposits and/or rent.
Accommodation Facebook Group
To find other students looking for accommodation, a housemate or a room to rent, or just to seek accommodation advice from other HSU students who have been through the process, join the HSU Accommodation group (formally UCO) on Facebook.
Getting around
If you are looking for accommodation with good transport connections to the HSU London Campus check out the TFL Journey Planner tool.
Our nearest stations are:
- Borough (Northern Line) – 2 minute walk
- London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern & overgound) – 10 minute walk
- Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo, Northern & overground) – 10 minute walk
Many of our students choose to live close to our HSU London Campus and travel by foot or bike to save on travel costs, but if you need to use public transport there are still lots of ways to make savings.
Apps, services and discounts
- Apply for a discounted Oyster card by visiting tfl.gov.uk/student
- Use apps such as Citymapper to help plan your journey
- Hire a bike from £2 per day from tfl.gov.uk/cycling
- Apply for a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard for discounted journeys
News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at AECC University College.
We recently caught up with Tylah to hear more about why she chose the online MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health course.
HSU To Validate Assistant Practitioner Foundation Degree Apprenticeships delivered by Bournemouth and Poole College.
Jaime Salcines tells us about how he was able to balance sailing competitively alongside his studies due to the support of staff at HSU.
Ivan Bristow is a Visiting Lecturer at Health Sciences University and lectures on the MSc Podiatry course.
AECC University College has changed its name to Health Sciences University (HSU). This represents a significant milestone in our institutional journey as we proudly carry this new prestigious title.
