UNIVERSITY OF LONDON HOUSING SERVICES

Our aim is to help students of the University to find good quality, safe and affordable housing and to support them if they run into difficulties.

We try and take some of the anxiety out of looking for and living in housing in the private sector.

We have a large database of registered landlords and agencies advertising accommodation in the private sector. In order to register, landlords and agencies have to agree to abide by our Code of Good Practice.

We also offer the opportunity for students to make use of the computer terminals and telephones in order to contact landlords.

We also have 4 dedicated housing advisors offering comprehensive housing advice. This is designed to make sure that students make informed decisions about their housing and if students do run into difficulties then we can advise and support them through their concerns and issues and if necessary, we can also rely on our firm of retained solicitors. For the 3rd consecutive year we have worked alongside the GLA and with the support from the Department of Communities and Local Government we have produced the London Student Housing Guide, tips and advice on housing issues. These can be found in most college accommodation offices, as well as the 4th Floor of ULU, or alternatively you can visit the London Student Housing website www.studenthousing. lon.ac.uk/cms

We also offer University managed self-catering flats and houses for around 242 full-time students through the Property Management Unit. These are situated in North London and South East London and will be an option for those students wanting to have the University as their landlord. The Property Management Unit can be contacted on [email protected] or 020 7862 8881

The Housing Situation in London
In a recent survey of students, 88% said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their current housing however, we have found that the biggest problem that students always have with their landlords is with the return of the deposit after the end of the tenancy. We are pleased to say that this statistic will be hopefully changing from April 2007, with the implementation of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Another fundamental issue affecting students with housing in London is probably its cost. Average rents in London are still very high. Although it is still possible to find housing in London on a budget of £75 per week, if students want to live centrally, they can expect to pay over £120 per week.

And some final advice, Don’t Panic!
Don’t make snap decisions because you feel under immense pressure to find somewhere quick, as this may cloud your judgement and can often involve making the wrong decision.

There are a number of invaluable sources to search for accommodation and we are happy to advise and support you in your search.