Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in London

Living in a shared flat is one of the most popular alternatives for international students in London who want to live in a multicultural environment. The cost of renting in London is usually so high that, in addition to single rooms, rooms shared between two people are common. When making a decision about which one to choose, remember that the single room is the only space that you will have completely to yourself in a shared apartment where the common areas are used by everyone. However, shared rooms are always a good alternative if your monthly budget is low.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in London

Here are some pros and cons of living in a shared flat in the British capital:

Advantages of sharing a flat in London

• The monthly cost is more affordable than that of a full apartment, which gives the possibility of looking for a flat with a better location, that is, near the centre or the university. If not, try to have a good connection on public transport.

• You will have friends from your arrival to enjoy the wide cultural offer of London, something that you will also be able to take advantage of more by saving on the cost of the rent.

• Living in a shared apartment with students from different parts of the world, you will be able to learn about their cultures and practice more English, as it is the language in which most students communicate with each other.

• In London, it is usually cloudy and it rains a lot, so living in a lively flat with colleagues who understand you will help you get through those days when humour accompanies the weather.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in London

• In the British capital, some flats can be in poor condition, especially in the case of shared flats in which the owner does not live there.

• Single rooms are usually small, having little personal space.

International student App for your exchange programme in London

We recommend that you use apps for international students that will make your experience in London the best it can be. In them, you will find different advice and information on procedures that you have to do and on life in the city. One of these apps is that of some student unions.

How to meet people in London 

Connect with your roommates as soon as you arrive in the city, so you will be accompanied from your arrival. Also, consider the following options to meet people in London:

Student associations in London 

Most of the universities in the English capital have student associations, called Student Unions, where you will be able to meet other young people. These associations can be, for example, for international students or according to interests, so you will be able to connect with other young people who are in the same situation as you. You will also be able to be part of ESN City London.

Facebook groups for international students in London

In the Facebook groups, you will meet people in London with the same hobbies as you and you can also request information about life in the city and the procedures you have to do. You can join the groups according to the academic year in which you are going to be there, or other general ones, such as ESN City London.

WhatsApp groups for international students in London

Some of the associations and Facebook pages, such as the ESN, have WhatsApp groups. In these, you will be able to present yourself and share information, meet other young people and be updated on the events and activities that are organized in London.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in London

Here are some tips on renting in the British capital:

• Some rooms in London tend to be small. We recommend that you take a good look at the photos and that you try to have an exterior window, in order to have some daylight when it is not raining.

• The demand for rooms in shared flats in London is very high. If you find the ideal one for you, don't let them rent it before you and make the reservation! In the Erasmus Play search engine, you will be able to do it 100% online and safe.

• In some cases, utility bills and municipal taxes are not included in the price. Take a good look to calculate what the final amount to pay per month will be.

• The rooms can be part of an apartment, a residence or a loft, sites that have previously been commercial premises and have been renovated to be home.

Frequently asked queries about sharing a flat in London

Flat sharing in other Erasmus cities

Flatshare in Newcastle upon Tyne

Flatshare in Dundee

Flatshare in Leeds

Flatshare in Cambridge