US student studying in London for one year (to rent, dorms)

[butterscotchsunday]

I have been accepted into a one year MA program this fall. I'm having a hard time finding a place to rent. My university does not have dorms, so I will be forced to find something on my own. I am unable to get to London early to find something in person. Unfortunately, the earliest I can arrive to London is 12 days before classes start. I am forced to find something online. Any tips? I keep reading about using an agent, how does that work?

[irlinit]

Umm have you contacted the uni? Normally universities have information for students for things like this if you check their site.

I would try searching on google for student housing in London.. normal agents would probably rip you off

[just_because]

London has many private "halls of residence" buildings (not unlike "dormitories" in the US but privately owned and not associated with a university). The going rate seems to be about £300 per week for a studio. You can compare online and arrange yourself, without an agent. i'm surprised that the uni is not suggesting one or more of these for you to look at.

Just a few, for example:
purestudentliving.com
libertyliving.co.uk
unite-students.com

[irlinit]

£300 a week? That is extortionate.. I am paying less than that per month in Norwich