Accommodation
There are a number of types of short-term accommodation available to stay in while you work out how to settle in to your new life in London and the UK. A great place to base yourself while you find your feet is in either a hostel, B&B or small hotel. Many choose hostels. This is because if you are travelling on your own you will meet like-minded people in the hostel possibly doing what you are doing. But no matter what your budget, there will be a place that suits you.
We suggest you book accommodation definitely for one week but preferably two. This is because by the time you have recovered from jet lag, done some sightseeing and started to get things under way (register for National Insurance, open bank account, find a place to live, find a job, etc). your first week will probably be up. Having a second week of accommodation booked will allow you to get most things (if not all sorted).
If you are one of the lucky ones who has a bed or even a floor to sleep on when you arrive, you’re off to a very good start. Finding somewhere to live can be one of the most daunting tasks you will ever have to tackle while on a working holiday. This is because there is fierce competition for the accommodation that is available.
If you need short-term accommodation we highly recommend visiting HostelWorld to compare and book a hostel and Booking.com if you want to compare and book a hotel room. Click on their links to begin your accommodation search.
Hostels
One of the cheapest and easiest options is to stay in a hostel. Accommodation is mostly dormitory-style where you may have 4, 6, 8 or more beds in one room. A hostel is a great place to stay while you familiarise yourself with London and get yourself sorted. We recommend HostelWorld to book your initial stay. This booking site will allow you to research London (and UK) hostels and book on-line.
B&Bs and Hotels
Bed & Breakfasts and hotels can vary greatly in their size, comfort and price but if a hostel isn’t your style then consider this option. Check out Booking.com where you can research and book your initial stay.
Long-term London accommodation
Looking for long-term accommodation in London can be a full-time occupation. Before you start to look, you need a rough idea about the area you would like to live in and what it has to offer. Before you sign on the dotted line, throw in to the equation:
- how far is the accommodation from public transport. You don’t want a long walk each day to the train, tube or bus stop.
- Check what travel zone the accommodation is in. The further out the cheaper your rent might be but you will have higher travel expenses and longer travel time to get in to the city and maybe to your work.
- Have a look at what services are available. Without a car, having a supermarket, laundrette, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and pubs nearby are great.
- check out sites such as www.spareroom.co.uk
Extensive information on finding long-term accommodation can be found in our ebook LiveWork&Play in London & the UK.
Blogs on living/accommodation in London & the UK
10 people living in a 3 bedroom London flat
Living in London Accommodation I grew up having my own room in a house with a front and back yard and when I went to London on a working holiday I thought I would have the same. How wrong I was. I was extremely new to flat/house hunting when I arrived in London. I had...
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