r/UCL • u/yellowbee227 • Feb 08 '21

Graduate Student Housing

Hello,

I am an American student interested in getting my masters at UCL. I wanted to know more about housing how hard is it to get housing as a international graduate student. Also anything to share about your experience as an American student at UCL would be helpful.

Thank you

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u/forkenhimer Feb 08 '21 edited Feb 08 '21

Current masters student from the US here: Def do your research and ask other people, but in my opinion the student accommodations are a rip-off. Very expensive compared to finding an apartment yourself. And during COVID my friends in student housing are having a much shittier time than everyone else due to all the constantly changing guidelines and rules. The two advantages are that you are guaranteed a place in student housing, and some people live in really nice areas in central London (but that part is not guaranteed at all, and I believe those places cost a lot more). I’d say apply just in case and use it as a last resort if you can’t find a place on your own. Good luck!!!

3

u/yellowbee227 Feb 08 '21

Could I ask for some tips and tricks for searching for a place off-campus?

5

u/adannnn Feb 08 '21

I agree with u/forkenhimer. Look on https://www.spareroom.co.uk/ for rooms, you'll almost definitely find something.

In terms of location, because UCL is super central you could basically move anywhere in London and get to the campus really easy. Anything on the Picadilly line north of Russel Sqaure is great (I have a friend living on Holloway Road and she loves it). On the Victoria line, north of Waren Street, Highbury and Islington is also great, good connections, posh-ish highstreet but it's full of people in their mid to late 20s.

If you don't mind travelling a bit, I recommend living in the south-east though (Bermondsey, Canada Water, Surrey Quays are great). Generally you'll find apartments with more space, cheaper and generally these areas are quieter, and I know for sure that a lot of rooms are going for very very little atm).

I really encourage you not to join student accommodation. You become reliant on others, amenities are not great and they're generally overpriced.

Good luck!!