Finding the right student accommodation can be key to making the most of your university or college experience.
Our tips here can help you find quality student flats in London, catering to many different budgets and tastes.
1.
Location is often everything for students.
Many prefer to rent in more central locations near their campus, to minimise travel times and costs, including the congestion charge for central London.
Wherever you choose make sure there are easy and reliable transport links - you don't want to be late for class! 2.
Students often move to a city they do not know well.
Research new neighbourhoods thoroughly - what are the local amenities, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, libraries, leisure facilities.
In your neighbourhood you might just find bargain haircuts at top hairdressing academies, massage at Westminster University, cinema at Leicester Square's Prince Charles, arts at the ICA by Trafalgar Square, clothes at the markets in Greenwhich, Camden, Spitalfields, and Brick Lane plus food at Borough and flowers at Columbia Road.
Your student experience is as much about your time outside uni as the time you spend inside.
3.
Expert advice is invaluable.
London is sometimes described as a series of 'villages', with unique characteristics for each neighbourhood.
You may not find the information all in one place so look around.
In particular make sure you search with the right suppliers to get a realistic picture of what you should expect for your money.
4.
If you're moving from your parents, maybe you can't wait to experience the freedom but at some point you'll end up missing your family and home comforts.
Consider where your family and friends could stay.
In a spare room? Hotels cater to every need from 5 stars at The Dorchester to respectable budget chains dotted around the capital.
Entertaining visitors is easy, from Big Ben to the Natural History Museum, the National Portrait Gallery to the Tate Modern.
Tour the BBC studios in Shepherds Bush, shop on Oxford Street, hunt down antiques in Islington, catch a West End musical - catch the latest info in one of London's free newspapers.
5.
Moving from overseas can be very stressful.
Most universities and colleges have specific resources to help international students and help with improving English language.
The British Council near Charing Cross also provide relevant information.
6.
There is no such thing as one-size fits-all 'student accommodation'.
Everyone has different needs when it comes to accommodation to suit them.
London is a high speed, busy city, so a sanctuary is important..
Some like to share with their friends - this might especially suit you if it is your first time away from your parents.
7.
Equally, you may prefer to have your own flat.
This has some advantages - you can control when there is peace and quiet and get a break from the 'university environment'.
Again, do check the journey is easy enough to your campus and friends.
8.
Do consider the feel of the place you'd like to live.
London's history lends student flats in London a vast array of architectural styles and features.
You can find loft style living, period places with original features, open plan styles and more traditional homes.
Again, your home should be your haven, so the feel is definitely important.
9.
Remember your needs may change throughout your course.
Campuses could change from south to north of the river, transport may change, or sharers may like to try having their own space, or vice versa! Stay flexible.
10.
Finally, moving to a new city can seem daunting.
London is an amazing place to live and study but it is a big city.
Make sure your new pad has all the appropriate services, security and insurances.