Living in London
Did you know that London is consistently voted the number one global city to be a student, according to the QS Best Student Cities rankings?
The city is home to over 9 million people from around the world, speaking more than 300 languages. It also provides excellent employment opportunities and vibrant culture, innovation and access to green spaces.
We know that moving to London can also feel daunting. Our Student Services team are experts in supporting you to find accommodation that suits your budget, your lifestyle and your needs. We can advise on student accommodation in Halls of Residence (Dorms) and in private rentals. We can also support you if you have access requirements or need additional support to transition to life in London.
Halls of Residence
Shared Student Houses/Flats
When looking for accommodation, you should try and visit the property or get a friend or future housemate to visit the property. If you are unable to do this, you can find some properties advertised which have been checked by a company for you. Spotahome provides multiple pictures and videos of properties and holds the first month’s rent until after you are satisfied with the state of the property on your arrival.
To find out more about house hunting, rental scams and more, download our read our handy Housing Guide.
Please note that while Trinity Laban can help you find accommodation, we cannot make arrangements on your behalf – for legal reasons, you will need to do this yourself.
Right to Rent
When renting from a private landlord, they are required to conduct a “right to rent” check on all new tenants, to make sure tenants have a right to be in the country.
As proof of your eligibility to rent you can get a letter of nomination from Trinity Laban Student Services. To request this please email privatehousing@trinitylaban.ac.uk with the address of the property you want to rent as well as the Landlord’s name and address.
The landlord or agent may still require other documents as proof of your right to rent. Your passport or Biometric Residence Permit are acceptable documents to show you have the right to rent.
If you are arranging a tenancy from overseas, you can agree on the tenancy in principle and show your documents in person when you arrive in the UK. Or the landlord may accept a letter of nomination from Trinity Laban before you arrive in the country. If you arrange a tenancy from overseas, we recommend that you ask a friend to visit the property before agreeing to anything.
Guarantors
Students are often asked for a guarantor when signing a tenancy agreement. This is someone who will pay for any damage, unpaid rent or any other costs not covered by a deposit. These typically need to be a UK-based friend or relative. Many students do not have such a person to be their guarantor.
Some landlords will accept 3, 6 or 12 months’ rent in advance instead. Many students cannot afford this. An alternative is to pay a company to act as your guarantor. Housing Hand are able to provide this service, see their website.
The cost of the service will be between 60-95 % of your share of the monthly rent. Housing Hand will rebate a percentage to students of their final tenancy period with Housing Hand dependent on the period of time they have used the service. For one year this is 15%, two years 30%, and three years 45%.
Contacts
McMillan Halls of Residence
Jennifer Asare (Student Adviser, Faculty of Dance)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8305 9342
Email: studenthalls@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Private Accommodation
Tel: +44 (0)20 8305 9350 or +44 (0)20 8305 4414
Email: privatehousing@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Please note: While the information and advice offered on this page is to the best of our knowledge accurate and up-to-date, we hold no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracy in the information provided. Nor do we hold any responsibility for the content of any external sites hyperlinked to this page. It is your responsibility to know the law and your rights regarding renting a room or whole property of any kind – whether in University or College Halls of Residence, Private Halls of Residence, Solo Accommodation, Shared Housing or Lodging – and to take responsibility for your own decisions and consequently any arrangements made between you and a landlord, agent or other tenants.