photo of outside of building of student flats

A Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Private Student Halls in London

Step 1: Research Providers

Start by exploring providers of private student halls in London. These are purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) that operate independently of Imperial. Popular providers include:

  • Unite Students

  • Scape

  • IQ Student Accommodation

  • CRM Students

  • Chapter

  • Host Students

Top Tip: Use our the 'find providers' tab on our comparison website Imperial Home Solutions to browse options by location, price, and facilities.

Step 2: Choose a Location

Think about how close you'd like to be to your campus and check transport links. Some halls offer direct travel routes to Imperial. Make sure to check out our area guide to get a better sense of where you might want to live.  

Step 3: Compare What’s Included

Look at what’s included in the rent. This often covers:

  • All bills (electricity, heating, WiFi)

  • On-site laundry and gyms

  • 24/7 reception or security

  • Study and social spaces

Make sure to check tenancy length, cancellation policy, and payment plans.

Step 4: Check Availability and Book Early

Private halls fill up fast — especially those near central London universities. If you’re interested in a specific site, check availability and start the booking process as early as possible (April–July is peak time).

Step 5: Book Directly Through the Provider

Once you’ve chosen your hall:

1. Go to the provider’s website

2. Choose your room type and tenancy length.

Top Tip: Make sure to check the tenancy start and end dates – especially if you're a postgraduate student with a later course start.

3. Create an account and follow their application process.

You’ll need to register on the provider’s booking platform with:

  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • Contact details
  • University name (Imperial College London)
  • Course start date

Some providers may ask for:

  • Proof of student status (e.g. an offer letter from Imperial)
  • A guarantor (someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t – not always required.) 

4. Pay a holding deposit (typically £100–£300)

This is often deducted from your first rent payment or security deposit. At this point, the room is usually taken off the market for a limited time while you complete the booking process.

5. Read the contract carefully before signing. 

The provider will send you a tenancy agreement outlining:

  • Rent amount and payment schedule
  • Length of stay
  • Cancellation and refund policies
  • House rules and responsibilities

Read it carefully before signing. Some contracts are legally binding even if your plans change later.

If you're unsure about anything, you can:

Top tip: Use our contract checking tool to help you. 

Note: Imperial does not manage private halls, so all bookings and payments are handled directly by the provider.

6. Pay the initial rent instalment or deposit

After signing, you’ll usually be asked to pay:

  • A security deposit (typically £250–£500, refundable after you move out)
  • Or your first rent installment

Make sure you understand the payment plan – some halls will ask for monthly or termly payments or they may ask for the whole year upfront. 

7. Receive confirmation and next steps

After completing the booking and payments, you’ll receive:

  • A confirmation email
  • Move-in information
  • Access to your online account to manage your booking

Closer to your move-in date, you’ll be sent check-in instructions, key collection details, and arrival forms.

Step 6: Ask Questions if You're Unsure

Many providers have live chat or email support. You can also read Imperial’s Private Housing Masterclasses, which cover:

  • How to choose between private halls and renting on the open market

  • What to look out for in contracts

  • Common student questions

Step 7: Stay Safe

Always check that the provider is a registered member of:

  • The National Code for Student Accommodation

  • ANUK/Unipol Accreditation Schemes

These ensure minimum safety and service standards.

Still Need Help?

While Imperial doesn’t arrange private halls, our Student Accommodation Office can help you navigate your options and point you toward helpful resources.

Top tip: Before signing, make sure you’ve carefully read the contract and fully understand your responsibilities as a tenant, including the cancellation policy. If you change your mind after signing, you could still be legally responsible for paying rent for the entire year. It’s essential to know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Contact us: accommodation@imperial.ac.uk