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My DD is going up to London this week to try and get somewhere to live next year. We don't know London that well and could use some advice about what areas to llok oin. As she will be studying in Swiss Cottage (at Central) she will need somewhere convenient to there transport-wise, and not too expensive but not too dodgy either

Dollis Hill and Finchley toad have been mentioned to me (thanks Old Hand ) but I just wondered if anyone else had any ideas or advice??? Any tips gratefully recieved - this seems to me the most scary bit of the whole thing

We're more NE London based (the area you need is North or NW) but will give it a go! Any of the Finchleys would be ok (East, North or Central), as would Hampstead (expensive tho!), Highgate (ditto) or Camden/Mornington Crescent.

Somewhere cheaper might be Crouch End or Archway or Hornsey - all of these would be accessible to Swiss Cottage. Golders Green also worth a look.

Let us know how she gets on & where she is thinking of later in the week after she's looked around a bit and I will let you have my twopenneth - for what its worth!

Good luck! xx

so a decision made x we were wondering where she was going to choose -- do the university have any way she can link with others who will be also looking for accommodation who want to share a flat dd friend has recently signed for a student flat but needed 4 to make it affordable.
best of luck with it all xx

Yes Central do a "Sharers Day", it's on Friday, basically it sounds like speed dating for flatmates . Others looking to share will be there, they get to know each other and go off to flat hunt toigether. She has been in contact with a couple of people on her course via facebook who are also going.

Thanks for your ideas GMN, will let you know where she end s up looking. Any areas she sould steer clear of? As she will be making her way there late at night, don't want her anywhere too dodgy, which may be attractive rent-wise but not for street safety. We live in a small vilage - sheep in front, cows behind, one shop, chapel, primary school and pub - so anywhere will be a huge culture shock I think

WM - Neasden/Willesden/Harlesden/Kilburn I would not be happy for my dds to be living in. Sadly, these are the cheaper areas too... I would say, steer more to the East of Swiss Cottage rather than North West. Have to say tho, that like anywhere in London, all these areas have their good bits & bad bits - bit of a lottery I'm afraid

Have a look at a tube map & this will give you a bit more info on where these places are that I've been mentioning in relation to the college. Like the sound of this Shares Day - good idea! That way at least she won't feel so on her own in this - loads all doing same thing! Keep us informed.

Be careful of central camden, market and surrounding area. Not suitable for late night traveling. I know a number of students who have been accosted / chased in that area and also been mugged there.
Heather

Have you looked at any of the hostels? I know lots of dance students who have been very happy at Hyelm
http://www.hyelm.com/home
and have also heard good reports about Chester House
http://www.chestercentre.org.uk/Groups/ ... entre.aspx

No first hand experience but most dance students seem to start off in places like this and then move into shared flats once friendships have been established.

Not sure if addresses will work as links?

I have pm'd you Welsh Mum -
I'd recommend anywhere North of Swiss Cottage towards, Finchley/Mill Hill
From Golders Green Zone 3 starts so prices are slightly more reasonable than those in the Zone 2 of the tube network, which you will probably know - Have sent you more info in my pm.

Genevieve wrote:I have pm'd you Welsh Mum -
I'd recommend anywhere North of Swiss Cottage towards, Finchley/Mill Hill
From Golders Green Zone 3 starts so prices are slightly more reasonable than those in the Zone 2 of the tube network, which you will probably know - Have sent you more info in my pm.

Thanks Genevieve for all the info - and no, I don't have a clue about zones, haven't been to London for years except to drive through or on outskirts

You cannot over estimate the depths of my ignornace about all of this

ok Zone 1 is Central London, Zone 2 is stations further out of Central London (like Swiss Cottage), then Zone 3 is outskirts (like Golders Green)..
Golders Green is the first stop on the Northern line which is in Zone 3 - and because of this it affects the rental prices.
The rents would therefore be higher if you are looking to rent properties in Zone 1 or 2 - there are so many conversions in these areas, past students may have some great recommendations though. Even though Golders Green is on the Northern Line, and not Jubilee Line (like Swiss Cottage) you can get a bus straight to Swiss Cottage from there

Taximom wrote:Be careful of central camden, market and surrounding area. Not suitable for late night traveling

I've heard of schoolkids getting their mobiles taken during the day in the area over the years !! alwaysyoung teenage boys targeting boys -I am sure other thing goes on but like with any very bustling area full of clubs and bars.. .. safety in numbers when travelling late at night and in early hours, avoid badly lit side streets, and get cabs home l-

We live in Belsize Park a short walk from Swiss Cottage so know the area very well.
Kentish Town ,Queens Crescent and Chalk Farm offer slightly cheaper rental options all within a 15 min walk from Central or a 5 min bus ride. West Hampstead also very close.
Have a look on Gumtree and you will get a idea of rental prices around the areas.

Doesn't seem to matter where abouts you are in London there always good and bad points.
After looking around let me know which roads and areas you are contemplating and will try and give you the run down on them.

You could try further out going along the Jubilee line- Kingsbury, Queensbury, Canons Park.

Somewhere cheaper might be Crouch End or Archway or Hornsey - all of these would be accessible to Swiss Cottage. Golders Green also worth a look.

We live in crouch end and its a total nightmare getting to Swiss Cottage especially in the morning and afternoon school run!

North London can be very expenive but east finchley and finchley central are a bit cheaper and nice and connect by busses to Swiss cottage and you have access to the Northern Line.

I would look at Gumtree and also local papers for accomodation many advertise on line. Try Ham and High and Hendon Times. If you have a few possibles post or PM and there are several on here who can advise I suspect.

A dance friend has advised Hyelm is full. There were places at Chester House but be aware, like many places in London it is a good hour's journey plus walk from Chester House to King Cross. Also beware Barbican Y - bed bug infestations in some rooms!! There are plus and minus points everywhere. My DD is also looking for a new place for her 2nd year at LCDS (London Contemporary Dance School) and they have decided to continue to pay more rent so few travel costs as they prefer to walk to dance school - current walk is 30 mins.

Good luck in your search - the getting to know you day is a good idea as a start!!
Heather

Re travelling:Students living in london can get a 16+ oyster card which gives free bus travel and half price tube fares.