Student accommodation

What types of accommodation can the College arrange?

As Europe's largest city London offers a vast range of accommodation, with students tending to stay in hostels, with host families (also known as Homestay) or renting a flat or house and sharing with other students.

Although the majority of students will probably end up renting a shared flat/house this is probably best arranged once you have been in London for a little while, to gain experience, to get your bearings and to have time to make friends.

So, if you are coming to London for the first time we recommend that you choose to either spend at least the first few weeks in a hostel or with a host family, both of which we can arrange.

Hostel Accommodation
The College can arrange hostel accommodation with one of eleven London Hostel Association residences (see: www.london-hostels.co.uk). Hostel accommodation is popular because it is good value, all-inclusive and the hostels are conveniently located in central London (travel zones one and two). Hostels provide a clean, secure living environment and are ideal for students who are new to London.

The weekly rate includes a continental breakfast and an evening meal on weekdays, with a cooked breakfast and an evening meal at weekends. The hostel provides a variety of dishes each mealtime, with at least one vegetarian option always available. Hostel bookings are made for an initial period of three weeks. If you would like to stay longer you can extend your booking on arrival.

Hostel prices (valid from 23/4/11 - 30/3/12)	Weekly rate per person	Price of 3 week booking
Type B (Shared twin room: 2 beds)	£136.00	£408.00
Type C (Shared triple / dormitory: 3/4 beds)	£113.00 (triple) £108.50 (dorm)	£339.00 (triple) £325.50 (dorm)
A room deposit of £150 is payable for all bookings. It is repayable on departure provided 7 days notice is given. The deposit is forfieted in the event of cancellation. There is also a key deposit of £30

Other Hostel Accommodation
In addition to the catered LHA Hostels used regularly by the College there are many other hostels that provide long-term student accommodation. Below is a list of useful website addresses from which you can find out more about other hostels, their room rates and availability.

• London Conference for Overseas Students
• International Student House (ISH)
• IES Student Residence Hall
• Christian Alliance Housing Association
• hostelworld.com: Booking site for short term accommodation

Homestay Accommodation
We can also arrange Homestay accommodation. Living with a British family is a good option for those keen to improve their English and learn more about British culture. Families can help students familiarise themselves with London and provide comfortable accommodation within easy travelling distance of the College. Homestay bookings are made for an initial period of three weeks. If you would like to stay longer you can extend your booking on arrival.

Homestay prices per week (guideline only - please contact WLC for details)	Budget Zone 3-4 (from)	Standard Zone 1-2 (from)	Executive (with en-suite) (from)	Booking Fee
Self-catering (includes use of kitchen)	£130.00	£155.00	TBC	£27.50
Bed and breakfast (no use of kitchen)	£125.00	£150.00	£185.00	£27.50
Half board (breakfast and evening meal)	£150.00	£170.00	£230.00	£27.50

Flat/House Shares
Sharing a flat/house with friends or classmates is a very popular option with London's students. Students often feel that this type of accommodation represents the best value for money, particularly as they are able to exercise choice when it comes to facilities and location.

However, it may be difficult to find this type of accommodation prior to coming to London. Before committing yourself to anything it is advisable that you visit the accommodation and meet the people you will share with.

Once you are here in London the following websites will give you some ideas about what type of accommodation is available. In addition, WLC students regularly advertise rooms and houses on the College's notice boards.

• moveflat.com: Search for flats and flatmates
• spareroom.co.uk: Another flat-share site
• thegumtree.co.uk: Online community advertising accommodation
• easyroommate.com: Register a profile to find flatmates

General Advice and Information
London's students (of which there are over a quarter of a million) are fortunate in having many very good websites all offering them first-rate advice, guidance and services. We have listed some of the best below:

• University of London accommodation site providing lots of useful information and advice
• studentaccommodation.org: Advice and ideas on looking for accommodation
• accommodationforstudents.com: Student accommodation website
• ukstudentlife.com: A useful site giving advice on all aspects of student life (including accommodation)

Please email Kelly for more information on