Alternative accommodation options

The University of London Housing Services has a property database with private landlords, letting agents, private halls and other providers of private housing. They also provide free legal advice on a range of issues such as deposit or disrepair disputes, and a contract checking service for SOAS students. 

The University of London Housing Fair takes place around May and September every year. Please visit their Events section for next coming up dates. 

It is the responsibility of the student to make all the necessary checks before entering into agreements with private landlords. 

Staying with a host family is a popular option with students moving away from home for the first time and international students who wish to experience British family life or practice their English language skills. The family may be an older couple whose children have left home, a younger couple with children at home, a single parent or a single person. Often, accommodation in homestays is catered, with meals being shared with the host family, however self-catering may be arranged. Location - as the centre of London is a busy commercial area, most families live outside the centre. This means the average journey to school will be 45 - 60 minutes door-to-door.

You can apply to live with a family through the following agencies:

• Hosts international
• HFS London
• London Homestays

It is the responsibility of the student to make all the necessary checks before entering into agreements with these external companies. SOAS is not affiliated with these companies.

There are several companies that run property guardian schemes, looking after empty houses and commercial properties on behalf of owners. The companies recruit individuals (guardians) who are willing to live flexibly in quirky and unconventional accommodation, for rents far below the market average. The arrangement is called a temporary occupation, and guardians may be asked to move to another property with as little as two weeks’ notice.

Whilst this can be a very cheap living option, there are some drawbacks, so consider doing some research before deciding if this option suits you. You may have to move frequently or at short notice. Will this affect your studies?

You will not have the same rights as a tenant, and you will usually be expected to live with other guardians. Properties may not always be in a good condition, may be unfurnished and may not be connected to the internet. The company will carry out frequent inspections and there are often rules banning pets, children, overnight guests and parties.

London accommodation is expensive, and for those who have the option, living at home or with relatives or friends may offer a more affordable lifestyle. Many SOAS students choose to live at home and commute to SOAS.

SOAS Students’ Union offers a great range of activities, events and sports throughout the week, enabling you to get involved in the student community no matter where you choose to live. New students should look out for events during Welcome Week aimed at students who are not living in halls.

Homeshare schemes offer an economical place to live in return for free support and company. They match individuals (homesharers) who are able to give their time with individuals who need some support in order to live independently (householder). This might be an older person with dementia, a disabled adult, people with mental health issues, care leavers or parents who have learning disabilities.

The homesharer provides company, security, a person on hand in case of an emergency and may also help with light cleaning, meal preparation, food shopping, gardening, or driving, in exchange for very low or no rent.

Homesharing can be a unique and rewarding experience as well as providing affordable accommodation, but it is not for everyone. Consider whether you are able to balance your studies and social life with providing support that is both caring and consistent to someone who will be relying on you in order to maintain their independence.

The UK network for homeshare providers is HomeshareUK, working with agencies which offer homeshare, including:

• Homeshare Living
• Novus
• Lightshare
• Share my Home
• Room for Tea

It is the responsibility of the student to make all the necessary checks before entering into agreements with these external companies. SOAS is not affiliated with these companies.