Choosing the ideal place to live depends on your length of stay and on the money that you have available to spend.

Accomodation is available in family houses, colleges and or universitiy halls of residence. If you intend to stay less than a month you can share a room with other students in a hostel, house or flat. If you like to socialise and make new friends the best option is probably to share a room in a hostel as people from many parts of the world live there. It is important to remember that transport in London is not cheap; therefore, when choosing a place to live, it is important to have in mind how much your transport will cost.

Check the tips from LondonHelp4U.co.uk:

Accommodation
Universities and Colleges
Most universities and colleges provide limited single accommodation in Halls of Residences. A few have apartments where couples and families can be accommodated, but it is advisable to check availability before making any definite decisions. One of the advantages of living in a hall is that you are likely to meet many other students from different cultures and make new friends. One of the disadvantages is that you will probably have to leave your room at the end of each term as most of the universities and colleges run conferences during these periods and need the accommodation for other visitors.

Hostels
Hostels usually provide shared rooms although most have a few single rooms available. Many provide meals and some have kitchens where you can prepare your own food. One of the advantages of living in a hostel is that you get to meet new people every week as there is no minimum stay. However, it is often difficult to feel at home as people are coming and going all the time.

Studio Flats
Studio flats are single rooms with a sitting area and bed and an adjoining kitchen. Bathrooms often have to be shared with other residents of other studios, check beforehand.

Studios usually provide more space than a room in a hall or hostel and you can always cook for yourself. However, having to share a bathroom is a disadvantage.

Rent is usually agreed with an estate agent or directly with the property owner. It is worth looking at advertisements in newspaper classified sections such as “Loot” (www.loot.com). Alternatively, you can search on the Gum Tree website (www.gumtree.com), which also offers this type of accommodation.

Houses and Flats
Houses and flats are the the most sort after accommodation due to separate, living, bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom. A house or a flat gives feedom to you and your flatmates, you can choose who to live with and energy bills can be shared which helps cut down costs. You will probably learn about new cultures and make friends that will last a life time. However, not all relationships last and some people constantly move looking for the perfect accommodation. Check out Gum Tree (www.gumtree.com) where there are many advertisements for houses, flats and flat sharing.

Once more here is a tip from Gum Tree (www.gumtree.com), where you will find much advertisement.

Youth Hostels
Youth Hostels are an ideal option for tourists and travellers. They offers basic, accommodation where rooms, bathrooms and kitchens are shared. They tend to be cheap but you have to share most things with people you do not know.
For more information go to the Youth Hostels Association website (www.yha.org.uk).

General tips
 Accommodation/Estate Agency
 UK Yellow Pages (www.yell.com)
 Loot (www.loot.com)
 GumTree (www.gumtree.com)

Tenancy Agreement
This is a legal agreement made directly with the owner or landlord of the house often through an accomodation or estate agent where both parties have to sign a contract. The tenant pays a deposit to the landlord, which serves as a guarantee and should be returned, at the end of the tenancy.

Council Tax
Every household in the United Kingdom must pay Council Tax. This is a local tax to pay for services such as the police, fire brigade and rubbish collection. You should always ask the owner of the house or the agent if you will be liable for this tax, as it is often included in the rent. However, registered students are exempt from paying this tax.

It is important to be aware that in the UK in general, but in London in particular, you can earn relatively good money but the cost of living is also high.