London is a global megacity with a population of almost 9 million people that swells with an extra 20 million visitors each year*. London is by far the most diverse city on the planet. In the heart of the city, in Bloomsbury, is the Syracuse London Center, Faraday House, where all classes take place – although many classes also make regular site visits around the city. Apart from academics, one of the most important components of every student’s experience studying abroad with Syracuse London is where they live.
Students requesting disability-related housing accommodations should indicate this while completing their post-decision questionnaire “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” due within 10 days of acceptance. View Disability Accommodations Abroad to learn more.
See Independent Housing Policy below.
Syracuse London Housing
Syracuse London takes great care in selecting the right housing for our students. While studying in London, you’ll be living in a flat in Central London.
The flats we select are self-contained, independent properties that are owned and managed by one of Syracuse London’s experienced landlord partners, whom we have carefully selected to work with our students. Students can expect to share a room and bathroom with 2–4 students. Flats will accommodate between 4-13 students per flat. These flats will have fully fitted kitchens and a living room, but study desks are not guaranteed. The majority of our flats will be in older London buildings with traditional key access.
Included in the Flats:
- 2-4 beds per room (which may be single beds or bunk beds);
- a furnished living room space;
- A fully equipped shared kitchen
- laundry facilities and basic cleaning equipment;
- Wi-Fi; and
- a housing information folder that details the use and services of each property as well as health, safety and security information.
Examples of flats:
Managing Expectations
As you visualize your London property, it’s important to keep in mind local norms. Properties in London – as in most big cities – are smaller than what some students might expect. Electricity and gas equipment (lights, ovens, washing machines, outlets, etc.) may be different to what you’re used to – but the Syracuse London Student Support team is available to answer any questions you may have about utilities and appliances.
You will have a commute of around 45 minutes. It’s good to bear in mind that Londoners think nothing of a 45-minute commute – the average commute in the city is at least one hour. It’s important to see distances through local eyes and consider accommodation like locals would.
The British council tax and your utility bills will be paid by your landlord, so your program fee is inclusive of the bulk of your housing costs. Although bed linen will be provided by the landlord, you may want to purchase your own – these are easily purchasable once you arrive.
Selecting Flatmates
The International Program Advisor for London and the staff at Syracuse London work with all students as soon as they are accepted to help form groups of flatmates. We will house you with other students in the program based on a careful matching process utilizing the answers you provide in your housing questionnaire. You will also be given the opportunity on this questionnaire to tell us if there is anyone in particular you would like to live with, so it is really important that you complete it. Once housing groups are formed, the London staff will begin assigning groups. When the assignments are finalized, we will notify you and your group about the details of your accommodation, so you can begin planning and coordinating.
Travel in the City
Even better, all Syracuse London students receive an 18+ Oyster Card covering Zones 1 and 2 for the whole semester – which means you can travel around central London at no cost. This not only saves each student a lot of money, since London is one of the most expensive transportation cities in the world, but it also means you never have to worry about getting to class, going on field trips, getting home, or traveling anywhere you want to go in the city at any time. London truly becomes your ‘Oyster’, as the Oyster Card promises.
Before the Semester
If you have any questions about living in London, or your particular housing assignment, you can contact Syracuse London’s Student Support Team by e-mailing ldnhousing@syr.edu. Alternatively, you can talk to the International Program Advisor for London at Syracuse Abroad.
During the Semester
If you encounter a problem with your property during the semester, please email ldnhousing@syr.edu and London staff will be in touch to assist you.
*pre-Covid figures
Independent Housing Policy
Syracuse University’s policy requires all students to reside in program housing unless they meet specific criteria and are granted a waiver through a petition process. Our independent housing petition process is limited to students who meet one of the following criteria: religious reasons, disability disclosure that cannot be accommodated by program housing, or family member resides in the city of program.
The deadline for submitting the independent housing petition form waiver is May 1 (for fall semester) and October 1 (for spring semester). View Independent Housing Policy for more information.
Please note that while we will try to honor requests about housing, we cannot guarantee specific flats, groups, or locations due to limited availability.