Accommodation
Halls of residence

As an undergraduate student coming to live in London, you will want to feel secure and comfortable in your accommodation. In partnership with third party accommodation providers, we have invested in new and refurbished halls of residence with private, modern study bedrooms and communal living spaces, where you can cook, relax and feel at home.
You also benefit from a community of fellow City students which provides a great opportunity to meet new people from different courses and backgrounds. All halls are within easy travelling distance of the University, are self-catered and offer computer points in every bedroom.
Special requirements
If you have any special requirements, please contact our Student Centre for confidential advice as soon as possible after you have received an offer of a place at City.
Applying for University accommodation
All prospective full-time students can apply for a place in halls. First year undergraduates who live outside the Greater London area are given priority. Apply for a place at a hall of residence.
Guaranteed rooms
The following information outlines our 2012 accommodation guarantee scheme. The terms may change for 2013, so please check our website before applying for University accommodation.
To be guaranteed a place in halls:
- You must firmly accept our offer of a place on a full-time course no later than 15 May
- Our Student Centre must receive your accommodation application by 15 May
- You must be resident outside the traditional boundaries of the Greater London area
- You must be aged 18 years or above at the time of taking up residence in the hall.
If you have accepted our conditional offer, your guaranteed place in halls will not be confirmed until the Student Centre has received notification that you have met the conditions of your offer of a place on the course. If you are holding City as an insurance offer and you change this to a firm acceptance before 15 May, you must inform the Student Centre so that the alteration can be recorded. Your application will not be guaranteed until you have done so.
In the summer, if you meet the conditions of your offer, have been accepted on a full-time course and are guaranteed accommodation, the Student Centre will confirm your place in halls.
If you fall outside the University's guarantee scheme, you may still be offered a hall place if there are rooms available. Please note that Liberty Court can accept students (on a case-by-case basis) who turn 18 years old within 6 weeks of the residence start date. Please contact the Accommodation Team in the Student Centre if you wish to discuss this further.
Cost of University accommodation
Find further details about University accommodation costs.
Private accommodation
If you do not have a place in halls, the Student Centre can provide information to help you find accommodation in the private sector. July and August are the best times to find private accommodation in London for the following academic year. Types of accommodation range from shared rooms to self-contained flats and prices vary accordingly.
If you do not have anywhere to stay in London while you search for a place, please view our lists of hotels and hostels on our website to arrange temporary accommodation whilst you look for something for the year. Unfortunately we do not have guest rooms in the halls of residence for short-term stays.
Costs of private accommodation
Prices for accommodation in London can vary considerably but students should be expected to pay between £100 and £180 per week depending on the size of the room, the facilities offered and the area in which the property is located. As a rough guide students should expect to pay the following towards their living expenses per week:
- £100 to £180 for accommodation
- £35 to £50 for food
- £10 for gas/electricity
- £10 for a contents insurance/television licence
- £20 to £50 for entertainment
- £10 to £30 for travel
- £10 for books/equipment
- £20 other costs such as toiletries and clothes
- Total weekly expenditure £215 to £360.
Some private halls of residence will cost more than this, however the fees usually include utility bills, internet, contents insurance and due to their proximity to City, there would not be travel costs.
Costs for accommodation for couples with children will normally be higher than these figures. For private accommodation you must be prepared to make a returnable deposit against damage, ranging from a week's to 6 week's rent and also would need to to pay at least a month's rent in advance. You will also have to sign a contract, which would normally be for a minimum term of six months. Although you will find cheaper accommodation in areas outside central London, you should note that any savings may be offset by greater travelling costs.
Council Tax
Most full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax. If you are sharing accommodation with non-students, you may be expected to contribute to the household's Council Tax bill. To be exempt from Council Tax, once you have fully registered at City University you would need to get a letter from your Department confirming that you are a full-time student and confirming your course dates which you can then take to your local Council Tax office.