London: Short term living

[Limonjello]

So, we are fortunate enough to get to head to London for a semester of law school next fall, but I have a wife and two kids (5 and 3) that will be coming along.

Will be attending UCL, and wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts about where to live near there and about what I should plan to pay for a 2 br flat. I'm not saying money is no object, but looking for safe and reasonably close. We are interested in getting a great experience while there vs. saving a few $$ here and there.

Also, anyone have experience with the American School of London or other elementary/preschools in the area?

I know there are a number of Exes over there (I have traveled a few times for business to London, but never for any extended time), so I figured I would draw on the collective wisdom.

Any other thoughts or suggestions (outside of what I can do to myself) would also be greatly appreciated.

 

[random horn]

 

[LondonOllie]

If you want to live anywhere close to UCL on a short term lease, expect to pay serious $$$ or £££.

a 2 bedroom place that is nice close by would probably cost you somwhere around £1400 and that would be a small place. You are probably going to find that unless you have the cash, you are going to have to commute into London like the large majority of people do. That rent price is for a normal year lease signed, god knows about a short term lease?

Some places to check out are gumtree.com, craigslist, & the usual google searches.
I suspect you are going to have to get the uni to help you out. They must have some ideas.

Id be interested to hear what you end up paying and where abouts.

 

[Limonjello]

Yeah, I am generally assuming it will be $3-4K per month, unfortunately, but we're willing to suck it up to take advantage of the experience. It's not necessary to live right by UCL, but to have a reasonably commute via tube or whatever.

Had a friend who lived at the edge of Regent's Park in Camden a while back for almost $4K a month, so I was prepared, but trying to see what other options might be about.

 

[Spankytoes]

I actually spent a semester at UCL. Decent system.

But, I'm not much help in the ways of lodging. I got a blue card to work while I was schooling. I lived in Kensington and Chelsea which is a VERY nice neighborhood. We had a 3 bedroom/1 living area/uber small kitchen. There were 7 of us and it was 65 pounds per person per week. (455 per week total or 1820 pounds a month which is rougly $3200 US) We also had the basement flat...so I'm sure that it played into the deal. The train system is very effecient, so living on the outskirts to save some $$$ is more of a time issue than anything. While conveinent, stay out of the KC, Soho or Nottingham Gate district if you don't want to pay up the arse.

I would contact the British Universities North American Club (BUNAC) to ask for their advice on housing. I got housing arranged with them 2 nights after I arrived. (I stayed in a hostel when I got there) I'm certain that they could prearrange a place for you to live.

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