Choosing your accommodation
For flat share you may want to look at the links below: srmlettings@mengoli.org (propert owner from Puglia) 2. Staying with a family may be an ideal situation (especially for a girl) if you are from overseas and want to practice your English skills. Some units also offer the possibility of eating meals with the family. However, if you are looking for privacy, this style of accommodation may not be for you. http://www.londrainfamiglia.com/ There is also a possibility to stay in temporary students’ homes, but this option is only available for the summer months when the student population is on vacation (see www.britanniatravel.com). For example, the Imperial College offers its own Halls of Residence generally from 30 June - 28 September. But you must be in possession of a Student Card. Prices range from £130 to £170 per week. Halls of Residence are usually located in elegant and safe areas of the capital.
*****Beware of FRAUD****
If you are asked to pay a cash deposit for your flat/accommodation, do make sure you are not handing out a cash present to a criminal.
If your destination is London, you will find a wide range of available accommodation but finding one suitable to your requirements can be time-consuming. Accommodation costs largely reflect location and space with zones 1 and 2 being the most expensive areas.
Accommodation can be classified as follows:
1. Shared accommodation
2. Family accommodation
3. Hotels/Hostels/Halls of Residence
1. This a popular option. A flat owner/occupant rents out a room(s). In this type of accommodation you will need to share a bathroom, kitchen and ... bills. A room like this would cost from £ 100 per week. In some cases the bills are included in the price. Bear in mind that many landlords require a month’s rent payable in advance plus a deposit equivalent to the cost of one month's rent. So, before you even enter the house you have to pay double rent!
3. Hotels in central London are expensive but there are hostels which are centrally located that cost from £ 17 per night. Maybe a hostel could be a temporary solution until you find the ideal place.
http://www.imperial.ac.uk
If you intended to come to London for a weekend and wished to stay in a nice hotel in a typical London street, or if you have guests who need a centrally located hotel, Accademia Apulia recommends:
39-40 Cleveland Square Hotel
39-40 Cleveland Square
London W2 6DA
Telephone
(44) 0207-5350 -860
http://www.39-40clevelandsquare.com/
info@39-40clevelandsquare.com
As for agencies specialised in providing accommodation, there are hundreds of them. They require that you register (some also require a registration fee), but, be careful, when it comes to pay for a deposit - many agencies (and landlords) will do anything to keep it. Make sure you employ the services of a reputable agency, even if it means paying a fee.
In conclusion, the choice of accommodation will depend on what you are looking for and how much money you have for it. If you look for privacy or do not want to share facilities with people that you don’t know, your options become limited. However, do bear in mind that it’s always a stranger that turns out to be one’s best friend!
Good Luck!
