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Viewing checklist

Area Guide 2024

When viewing properties, pay attention to the overall condition, potential maintenance issues, and the atmosphere of the area.

live video tours via WhatsApp, etc. A physical visit provides insights beyond online listings, allowing you to gauge the property's feel and uncover aspects that may impact your future living experience.

Some landlords and agents use different methods to showcase their properties. These include 360-degree tours,

We strongly advise against paying any deposits or signing a contract for a property you have not seen in person.

EXTERIOR

KITCHEN

□ Check property exterior condition. □ Ensure windows and external doors are secure with quality locks.

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GARDEN AND SURROUNDINGS □ Assess garden and its aspects. □ Determine garden maintenance responsibility. □ Evaluate the state of garage, shed, or other outbuildings. □ Identify potential nuisances (traffic noise, nearby clubs, etc.) INTERIOR □ Examine window glazing (single, double, or triple) and frame condition. □ Check for locks on downstairs windows. □ Evaluate storage space availability. □ Confirm central heating and inspect boiler/radiators. □ Ensure gas safety certificate and electrical safety certificate are in place. □ Check for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). □ Verify carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. □ Assess fire safety and means of escape. □ Inspect furniture safety and compliance with regulations. TOP TIP

Brook Green

Ravenscourt Park

Furnival Gardens

Kensington Olympia

Hammersmith Hammersmith (District and Piccadilly)

Charing Cross Hospital

Located in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in West London, this vibrant area along the River Thames offers a plethora of activities. Close enough to walk to College within an hour, it's an ideal spot to get your steps in! Discover numerous excellent riverside restaurants, pubs, and cultural venues, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration.

Studio: £1500–£2200 pcm 1 bed: £2500–£3200 pcm 2 bed: £2400–£3800 pcm 3 bed: £3900–£4900 pcm 4 bed: £4300–£6000 pcm

Travel times

(in minutes from Hammersmith station to campus)

Look for signs of damp/mould. Confirm ventilation (window or extractor fan). Check plumbing (flushing toilet, draining sinks/bath). Assess sealants around bath and shower. Ensure hot water and good water pressure.

Studio: £1000–£1500 pcm 1 bed: £1400–£1900 pcm 2 bed: £2100–£2900 pcm 3 bed: £2600 –£3500 pcm 4 bed:£3400–£4600 pcm

Travel times

(in minutes from Shepherd's Bush station to campus)

Wood Lane

Shepherd’s Bush Shepherd’s Bush Shepherd’s Market

Bush Green

Goldhawk Road

Typically, the majority of private accommodation in London is only advertised one to two months before it is available. A few agencies specialise in student lets and may advertise earlier in the year, with a start date in September.

on a property you aren’t ready to move in to.

However, if you are looking on the open market, estate agents won’t know what properties are available for September/ October until June, July or August. If you start looking earlier than this, you may be expected to pay rent

Whatever accommodation type you choose, don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. Before agreeing to any tenancy, check our contract course to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.

Whilst some private halls allow you to reserve a room all-year round, many only release their availability for the next academic year in January.

Search timeline JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH, APRIL, MAY

Start prepping! Attend our Private Housing Exhibition. Meet local housing providers, speak with experts and learn about house-hunting dos and don’ts.

Start speaking to your friends about whether you want to live together.

If you’re getting serious about your search, join us at our pop-up events. During these months, we’ll have a stall where you can ask questions.

Think about where you want to live and what budget you have.

If you want to live in Private Halls now is the time to make enquiries.

BEDROOM □ Check if storage is adequate □ Check mattress condition.

Some landlords who specialise in student lets begin to advertise properties and take advanced bookings.

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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This is a good time to look at housing providers on the open market; they will have a better idea of what will be available in September and October.

Left it to last minute? Don’t panic and agree to a property that wont suit your needs. It may be worth getting short-term accommodation to ease your search.

MOVE IN! Relax and enjoy your new home.

Inquire about rent, inclusions, and bills. Ask for indicitive running costs. Check broadband, and mobile signal. Check proximity to public transport and amenities.

Paddington

Paddington, within walking distance to South Kensington, has excellent connections to both the campus and central London. With Hyde Park and Regents Park on its borders and the Little Venice and Paddington Basin offers a variety of entertainment. While residential properties are somewhat limited in Paddington itself, expanding your search to Edgware Road or Bayswater provides a broader range of options.

Rent rates

Studio: £1300–£1900 pcm 1 bed: £1700–£2100 pcm 2 bed: £2100–£2600 pcm 3 bed: £2900–£3700 pcm 4 bed: £3500–£5000 pcm

Travel times

(in minutes from Paddington Station to campus)

To help you get started we have identified some of the most popular areas for our students to live. We've collated the average rent rates for different property types, as well as travel options to South Kensington campus in order to help you choose an area which best suits your needs.

Private Housing Masterclass Six, short online classes to guide you through each step of your private housing journey. Take a look at all the classes today! >>>>>

Putney & Fulham Edgware Road

Whether you are after leafy parks, vibrant nightlife or international cuisine, London has it all.

For more private housing support and advice, check out our Private Housing Masterclass

ADDITIONAL CHECKS

Warwick Avenue

Shepherd's Bush is a vibrant area with diverse amenities, while White City features modern developments and the Westfield shopping centre. Both areas are well-connected, making them convenient choices.

Westfield

Rent rates

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Shepherd's Bush and White City, offers an ideal living situation for students at both campuses. With a reasonable commute to South Kensington, these areas strike a balance between academic and leisure needs.

Rent rates

Hammersmith

BATHROOM

Take notes of anything the agent or landlord says in regards to repairs or providing furniture, and get these included in the contract before you sign it.

Shepherd’s Bush

Goldhawk Road Ravenscourt Park

Test kitchen appliances. Check storage and worktop space meets your needs. Assess condition of furnished items. Check pressure from taps. Verify fire safety equipment (fire blanket, extinguisher).

When to start looking

Battersea Park Battersea Park

Straddling the north and south bank of the Thames, Putney and Fulham are popular areas with plenty of residential streets clustered around small high-street villages. Fulham Broadway and Putney High Street are the bigger shopping locations.

Ro ea Park s r e tt a B

Queenstown Road

Acton Acton is a vast and diverse area, features distinct areas served by their own station within it (North Acton, Acton Town etc). As you explore options, carefully consider the unique locales and transport links each station offers.

Transport links are a spread thinly in these areas, so consider the distance from nearest tube or bus stop if that's important to you.

It is especially popular for students seeking affordable house shares, given the availability of suitable properties at more moderate prices compared to other areas.

Rent rates

Studio: £1100–£2000 pcm 1 bed: £1700–£2800 pcm 2 bed: £2200–£3000 pcm 3 bed: £2600–£4200 pcm 4 bed: £4200–£5750 pcm

Travel times

(in minutes from Fulham Broadway station to campus)

Fulham Palace Putney Bridge

Hurlingham Park

Putney Bridge

East Putney

Battersea and Clapham are neighbouring districts in South London, each offer unique appeal. A3 Battersea, along the Thames, combines modern urban living with green spaces like Battersea Park. It's undergone significant regeneration, creating a vibrant atmosphere with trendy shops and cultural hubs. Clapham, known for its diverse and lively atmosphere, boasts Clapham Common, a vast green area ideal for leisure.

Wandsworth Park

Putney

Battersea & Clapham

Studio: £1100–£1800 pcm 1 bed: £1500–£2100 pcm 2 bed: £1900–£2700 pcm 3 bed: £2500–£3200 pcm 4 bed: £3200–£4800 pcm

Rent rates

Studio: £1300–£1900 pcm 1 bed: £1700–£2100 pcm 2 bed: £1800–£2500 pcm 3 bed: £2600–£3500 pcm 4 bed: £3500–£5000 pcm

Travel times

(in minutes from Battersea Park to campus)

Travel times

(in minutes from Acton Town station to campus)

Acton Central

The Vale

Southfield Recreation Ground

60+

Acton Park