Finding postgraduate accommodation
Guidance, advice and students' tips for finding postgraduate accommodation as an Imperial student
Looking for postgraduate accommodation? We've got you covered.
From starting your accommodation search to checking your contracts, finding a place to live as a postgraduate student can be a complicated process.
If you're not sure where to start, here's a handy guide with advice from Imperial postgraduate students that can help you on your journey to finding a new place that makes you feel at home.
Our Student Accommodation Office can help you find the right place to live and support you during your studies.
Your postgraduate student accommodation options
Hear from Layla as she explains the different types of postgraduate accommodation you could consider
Private housing
Most postgraduate students choose to look for accommodation privately by searching online on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent and our Imperial Home Solutions property search platform.
There are a few steps involved in securing private housing:
1. Before starting your search, do your research and make sure you know what kind of accommodation you're looking for. Think about what factors are a priority for you, such as the length of your commute to campus, what amenities and facilities are in the local area and if you're happy to join a houseshare or want to live alone.
2. Viewing properties – stay safe while viewing properties and take a friend or someone your trust – they can also help with giving a second opinion on the places you view. You should never be asked to pay a fee to view a property. Once you've found your new home, know your rights as a potential tenant.
3. Checking and signing a contract – make sure you understand all the relevant information and details provided in a contract and know what you're signing before committing to anything. The Student Accommodation Office offer a contract checking service and rent guarantee scheme to support with this step.
4. Moving in – think about packing, transportation and any assistance you might need to move into your new home. Once you're moved in, take some time to ensure everything is in order before settling in, from checking you have all the essential documents to taking photographs of the property before unpacking for reference if needed later.
Take our Private Housing Masterclass to help you navigate each step of renting, and check our guidance on renting in London, contract checking and rent guarantee schemes.
Han Ming shares his top tips for searching for private housing as a postgraduate student in London
GradPad
If you’re looking for dedicated postgraduate accommodation, GradPad offer all-inclusive studio spaces for Imperial students in Battersea and White City.
Adrian takes us on a tour of his studio at GradPad's Griffon Studios in Battersea
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
There are lots of other independent private student accommodation providers across London in addition to GradPad, such as Unite Students, Scape and IQ Student Accommodation. Our step-by-step guide to applying for private student halls explains how to research and compare halls, when to apply and the potential costs involved.
Staying in purpose-built student accommodation is really convenient for many reasons, such as having necessary utilities like water and electricity provided without having to manage your bills with the utility companies separately. Purpose-built student accommodation like GradPad also provide lots of opportunities for you to mingle and network with other like-minded students from a mix of universities.
Where should I live in London?
Whether you're after leafy parks, vibrant nightlife or international cuisine, London has it all.
To help you get started in your search for your new home, we've put together an Area Guide that shares more about some popular areas our students choose to live – including average rent rates for different property types, what transport links are available and commute times to our South Kensington Campus.
Explore students' local neighbourhoods
Chiswick Park
with Idris (Malaysia)
Discover street markets for flowers, cheeses and even furniture, independent cafes like Arcane and the convenient big Sainsbury's for all your food shop needs.
Parsons Green
with Mita (Canada)
Explore cafes, pubs by the park, the Nomad book store and more.
Notting Hill
with Han Ming (Malaysia)
Discover cozy cafes and bakeries, street markets on Portobello Road and the home of the film-famous Notting Hill Bookshop (anyone see Hugh Grant?).
Waterloo
with Raaga (UK)
See London landmarks, visit a beach on the River Thames and experience the hustle and bustle of living in the city.
Silwood Park Halls
If you're based at our Silwood Park Campus, you can choose from five on-campus halls of residence, offering both single and couples’ accommodation.
Wherever you choose to live, we’ll be here to help you settle in and feel at home from day one.
Get in touch with our Student Accommodation Office for support in finding postgraduate accommodation.
Want to find out more about postgraduate accommodation?
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