Sponsored by Knight Frank
Finding a student rental in London can feel hard: listings disappear instantly, viewings are booked up within minutes, and in-person the place can look barely liveable. Whether you are trying to lock in a shared house with friends or you want a cosy flat to yourself, these are 10 letting agencies and services worth checking out.
1. Knight Frank
If you are a student looking for something more polished, Knight Frank is worth browsing. They are known for higher-end London rentals and tend to offer properties that feel more put-together, in good areas, and generally better maintained. It is not the cheapest option out there, but if your budget allows, it can be a good way to find a place that feels more like a long-term home than a temporary student dig.
2. Winkworth
If you want a letting agency that feels reliable and organised from the start, Winkworth is a great option, especially because they have branches across London and a good range of properties. They’re one of the more established names in the city, which helps when you are dealing with contracts, deposits, and the general chaos of renting in the city.
I’m currently renting with Winkworth and can genuinely vouch for them being easy to deal with and professional throughout the process, which is honestly all you want, especially as a student who is new to all of this.
3. Foxtons
If you are house-hunting in peak season and need lots of options quickly, Foxtons are a strong choice because they have a huge number of listings across London and tend to move fast with viewings and responses. They’re definitely one of the most well-known agencies in the city, and while they can feel very corporate, they are useful when you need something sorted quickly and don’t have time for endless back-and-forth.
In my experience, Foxtons were super helpful, especially when it came to arranging viewings and actually replying quickly, which makes a massive difference when everything is going so fast.
4. University of London Housing Services
If you are studying at a University of London institution and want a trusted place to start your search, University of London Housing Services is genuinely helpful, especially for students renting in the city for the first time. It isn’t a traditional letting agency, but it is a service designed to support students with finding housing, understanding renting basics, and avoiding scams. It is particularly useful if you are not sure what areas are best for students, what price ranges are normal, or how to spot a listing that seems suspiciously ‘too good to be true’.
5. Savills
If you want a more structured, professional renting experience as a student, Savills is a great option because they have a specifically designed student accommodation team. That makes them more student-aware and it can be reassuring if you are navigating renting for the first time and want guidance that is actually relevant to you.
Savills also offer a wide range of properties across London, so whether you are looking for something central, calmer further out, or a place that feels more ‘grown-up’ for second or third year, they are worth checking out.
6. Londonist
If you are a student who wants student accommodation without the stress of private renting, Londonist is a great option because they specialise in helping students find rooms and residences across London. Instead of scrolling endless listings and competing for viewings, you can browse accommodation that is designed for student life, often with a more streamlined booking process. It is especially useful if you are moving to London for uni, starting an internship, or just want something secure and simple without dealing with the usual landlord chaos.
7. Cohabs
If you want something more modern than the typical student house-share and like the idea of a built-in social vibe, Cohabs is a great option because they specialise in co-living spaces designed to feel stylish, communal, and fully set up. Their houses often come with shared living areas and a more ‘young professional’ feel, which can be perfect if you are moving to London without a ready-made group of friends to live with. It is not always the cheapest route, but for students who want convenience, structure, and a nicer living environment, it can be worth it.
8. Black Katz
If you are looking for a shared house in a student-heavy area, Black Katz is a popular London agency that often has plenty of house-share options across the city. They’re especially well-known for HMOs, meaning they are a good choice if you and your friends want a proper shared house set-up, rather than trying to force a random flat into a house share situation. They are worth checking out if you are searching in the kind of areas where students actually live, with decent transport links and lots going on nearby.
9. Homes for Students
If you would rather avoid private landlords altogether and want the simplicity of student accommodation, Homes for Students is a strong option because they offer purpose-built student living with bills often included. This kind of accommodation can be a lifesaver if you are new to London, moving alone, or just want something that feels secure and easy to manage. Instead of dealing with separate contracts, awkward housemate arrangements, and unexpected costs, their student accommodation tends to be more predictable with options like studios, en-suites, and shared flats.
10. RR Properties
If you want a smaller agency experience that feels more direct and less like you’re competing with hundreds of other renters, RR Properties can be worth checking out. Smaller agencies can sometimes feel more personal and easier to communicate with, especially if you’re fed up of being passed between different agents or struggling to get replies.
Renting in London is never going to be completely stress-free, but a few tips can make it a lot easier. Try to view places in person whenever you can (or at least do a live video viewing), always double check what bills are included, and take photos on move-in day so you are protected if anything else is already damaged. It is also worth thinking about transport before you commit — a slightly cheaper rent isn’t always worth it if the commute is miserable and makes it just as expensive. Most importantly, the best deals in London go fast, and if you find somewhere you genuinely like, you must move fast!