Every semester the same thing happens. A gaggle of students touches down in London and stumbles out of the plane. They’re exhausted, but excited to be beginning their study abroad program and getting to grips with a new city. Plus, the best thing is that classes don’t start for at least a week! That means a week to shop, sightsee and explore London’s nightlife. Oh, and they have to find somewhere to live – but that can’t be too hard, can it? I mean, the city’s enormous so there must be plenty of houses. The Ithaca College London Center does not provide housing for its students, but will assist each and every student to make sure that they find accomodations through a variety of means. Below is some very basic information about housing options while at the London Center. Students who are accepted into the program are given a highly detailed orientation on how to find housing and are assisted in the process.
1. THE FLAT HUNT
Since 1972 students have found their own housing during the first week after their arrival in London by participating in the FLAT HUNT. During the first week they stay at a hotel. Students find potential flatmates within the group and spend the first few days of their time in London finding a flat. London Center staff have great experience helping students find accommodation and will put students in touch with reputable landlords and letting agents (i.e. housing providers).
You can expect the flats to contain full kitchens and living rooms, and they will almost always come with internet and with weekly maid service. They are usually in large purpose-built blocks in central locations, which will house other study abroad students. Some providers may also have slightly cheaper blocks in outer London areas.
This is the cheapest way - by London standards - to house yourself in London, but you may have to choose to live further away from the Center, in zone 2, or possibly beyond. A second advantage, after cost, of this option is that you will develop a more intimate knowledge of London by participating in the flat hunt and exploring different parts of the city. A third advantage is that you will have British neighbours and you will not be living in an isolated community of US students.
There are a number of companies which provide accommodation for American study abroad students in shared flats for four to six people sleeping in shared rooms, though it is generally suggested that students get into groups of 4-8 to look for housing in the private rental sector, since they can save money by sharing rooms. However, it is perfectly possible for couples or individuals to find housing, and the staff at the Center can point you towards landlords and agencies specialising in smaller-scale accommodation.
2. PRE-ARRANGED HOUSING
You can also choose the option of arranging your housing before you leave the U.S. To choose this option you will need to be in a group of 4 to 6 students and contact our housing agents as soon as possible - and certainly before the stock of housing reserved for US study abroad students dries up. The great advantages of arranging housing before you arrive in the UK are prior payment and a gentle landing in the UK. If you choose this route, get in touch with the London Centre Director, Bill Sheasgreen, at bsheasgreen@ithacalondon.co.uk
3. HOME STAY
We can also arrange a home stay for you. The chief advantage of a home stay is the greater integration into British society that home stays allow. Most home stays tend to be in the outer London boroughs, another advantage, as it will force you to explore more of London. Homestay families will usually provide breakfast, and in some cases other meals for students. Homestays will generally accommodate 1-2 students.
