Finding the perfect place in London may take you a week or two or more, so make arrangements in advance to stay at a B&B. Before beginning your search, it is important to know that accommodation in London is quite expensive and small.

TIP: London Business School has its own hotel. While the rooms are subject to availability, it is one of the best, and most affordable places you could possibly stay. Never forget to book in advance as the hotel is always in high demand.

Once you have arrived in London, if you have time, spend a day or two checking out the neighbourhoods where you intend to live. (See further down, in "Location, Location, Location", for more information on an individual area.)

The two main sources to find accommodation are the agents and newspapers. You can get a head start by looking at their websites, but you normally won't be able to do anything before you get here.

While as a couple you will probably be looking for your own place, it is common to house or flat share in London even as a couple and this can provide a lower cost alternative to renting your own place. Loot (newspaper and website) is the best option for shared accommodation.

TIP: Early August is a great time for searching as a lot of properties come on the market. If you can search around this time then you will get more choice.

Estate Agencies

The best places to start with your housing search are the property agencies located in the area where you wish to live. Usually, agencies work within a limited area, so don't expect them to show you properties all around London.

Take your time to look through the neighbourhoods around the school and go into every agency you see. It may seem frustrating when each agency has only one or two apartments to show, but that is precisely why you should target a LOT of them. Registering with them or taking property details away with you should be free of charge: don't pay for this.

Don't feel obligated to remain loyal to any agency; just walk in, give your requirements and be prepared to make as many appointments as possible. Also, try to go there when you know you can spare some time because many of them will offer to show you some properties right then.

Newspapers

Check the Loot, the Sunday Times, the Evening Standard and the local papers. Once you have been around the neighbourhoods, you will be able to recognise a good deal in the advertisements and make an appointment. And, if you are dealing direct with a landlord, without an agent being involved, you can expect the rent to be less and not to have to pay for the rental agreement.

Be prepared to do an application when you see flats. Bring a reference letter from your bank at home certifying creditworthiness and a letter from LBS confirming your attendance in the programme. Also remember that you will not be given much time to decide on whether you want a flat (some students have lost good opportunities because they wanted a day to think it over).

Found the perfect home? ... so what's next?

When you find a place that you like you will be asked to pay a small deposit, usually around one week's rent to secure the property while your offer is taken on by the agent to the Landlord. If you pull out of the deal you lose the deposit, and if the agent/ landlord pull out, the deposit is returned.

It takes around two weeks to agree on contract terms and move into a property. It might take less, but go for the worst-case scenario and expect that.

Most agents will charge you an administration fee of £50-£150, once you have agreed to take a property and further fees each time you extend your tenancy. Always check with your agent beforehand how much it will cost to draft the contract. You can negotiate before you see any properties but not later.

The normal tenancy in the London area is for one year. Most agents will agree that the tenant can have the option to break the agreement after six months by giving one or two months notice. Make sure that you have this "six-month break clause"; you never know what the future might bring you!

If you don't feel sure, before signing a tenancy agreement ask for advice in the University of London Accommodation Office (www.lon.ac.uk/acomm).

You will be required to pay a security deposit of up to six weeks rent to be held until end of the tenancy. You should ask about the interest, although it usually doesn't apply.

You will be expected to pay your first month's rent in advance.

You are responsible of contacting the utilities companies to arrange supply prior to moving into the property. And even if everything is up and running, it also your responsibility to make sure all utilities are under your name.

When you move in you should receive an inventory of the contents and condition of the property. Be extremely detailed when checking the inventory, get a copy and report any discrepancies in writing. If possible take pictures of anything which is not in the right state including the patch paint job on the wall and the broken door lock. When you leave they will try to find every reason to make deductions from your deposit.

Most flats in London are furnished, but don't expect much more than a bed, dresser and wardrobe in each bedroom, basic crockery and appliances, kitchen table and couch. However, if you feel you could use a TV, a sofa bed or a microwave oven, it never hurts to ask for it. The worst that could happen is to get a no, and I know of many people who actually got what they requested (including myself). But insist on a furnished apartment while you lay your requirements with the estate agent as they have several unfurnished options available too. It would normally cost £ 10 - £20 more per week but will fetch you a great deal more than investing in household items when you are struggling with other expenses. Unless of course you have transported your complete household from your home country.

Useful links:

Agencies
www.foxtons.co.uk
www.aylesford.co.uk
www.bushells.co.uk
www.farleyandco.co.uk
www.kfh.co.uk
www.wa-ellis.co.uk
www.winkworth.co.uk

Classifieds
www.findaproperty.co.uk
www.loot.com/scripts/lootsite.dll

Others
www.londonpropertyguide.co.uk
www.upmystreet.com
www.arla.co.uk (The Association of Residential Letting Agents)

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

To help you decide on your perfect neighbourhood, we give you a brief description on the areas around the school. Cheaper location options are available further away, but this increases travel time and makes out of school socialising more difficult.

Walking distance from school

Marylebone - This area consists of most of the slice of London sandwiched between Oxford Street and Regent's Park; it could hardly be more central or more varied. Marylebone is long-established, especially in the medical district. The whole area is a mixture of residential and commercial, therefore it is cheaper than other central areas and a better value than many would expect. Around the station, and towards Edgware Road, you can find amazing places at a very good value.

St. John's Wood - The pace and style of these select streets are set by the lazy summer sound of wooden willow that drifts across the high, enclosing walls of Lord's Cricket Ground. Life here is conducted at a strolling place. The area has the appeal of shopping (on the High Street and nearby Finchley Road), religion (with the London Central Mosque and synagogues), and the American School. It is a very good option, especially if you have --or plan to have-- kids, but it can be expensive.

Regent's Park - This area still forms part of the Crown Estate and benefits from its careful management and long-term planning, which has led to the restoration of all the great terraces since 1945. It can get very expensive.

A bit further away...

Camden Town & Primrose Hill - This area is probably a smarter place to live today than at any time since Earl Camden started to build in 1791. Camden Town is where bohemian London got rich and its occupants have changed from writers to media stars. Primrose Hill is an enclave of quiet streets beside 110 acres of open space of the Hill to the West. It has been known for its handsome houses and spacious flats for decades and is still intellectual-smart rather than mere money-smart.

Maida Vale & Little Venice - This is a wholly residential district, spacious, well placed and decidedly popular. Here there are a rich mine of particularly nice flats - big and small, old and new, with garden-level maisonettes replacing traditional houses. The most coveted homes are those nearest to or overlooking the canal, which give Little Venice its name. One thing to take into account though: the tube connection with Baker Street takes quite a while.

Quite a ride from school

Hampstead - This area has a reputation for prosperous intellectualism and a strong community feeling about the way it looks. The only drawback is the traffic congestion and the parking. Hampstead is in the top handful of London residential areas and has everything the modern affluent would want - the Heath, smart shops, and good restaurants. There is reasonable transport, excellent schools and smart homes.

West Hampstead - This area has a commercial heart to go with its excellent travel links and ample supply of converted and mansion flats. It has a style and location that attracts young professionals who live there until they can afford the inflated prices of Hampstead proper. This is very much a young person's area.

Kentish Town & Tufnell Park - This area basks in the glow of Hampstead and Highgate, and its image continues to improve. Some streets are of Hampstead quality; other parts are disrupted by council building (public housing), both good and bad.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Britain has a subsidized health service called the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free treatment for people who are residents in Britain. International students enrolled in a course lasting more than six months, and their 'spouses', are also entitled to NHS treatment

The NHS is a public service, and as such, it has its problems and inconveniences, the major one is: you always have to go through your GP, and it takes forever to get an appointment with a specialist (min 15 days - 1 month). One thing you should do is visit ALL your doctors at home before you come here, and have a thorough check-up (fill your prescriptions, too!). Get that nagging pain on your tooth checked, that uncomfortable feeling in your back X-rayed, and so on. If you're a woman, go to your gynaecologist and get every possible exam out of the way. Also, if you know you're prone to something, bring with you the medication you usually take (best advice is to make a major trip to the store for all of your regular toiletries and medications), along with a fair share of antibiotics and pain-killers (please do talk to your doctor at home about this!!!). Don't worry about bringing contraceptive pills: they're free in the UK (see note further ahead).

Emergencies - Accident and emergency services are free for everyone in the first instance, if they are registered with the NHS (otherwise, you'll probably be charged). But be careful: not all hospital treatments following an accident or emergency are covered by the NHS, which means you'll have to pay.

You can get free medical attention for minor injuries at the so-called 'walk-in centres', but only nurses run them. For a couple of stitches it's fine, but don't expect the knowledge of a qualified doctor from them. The closest of these centres to school is the Soho Walk-in Centre, on Frith Street, just off Soho Square.

Registering with a doctor - Once you are settled, you should register with a local doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill! You can obtain a list of local doctors or centres from the Post Office, your local Library or by contacting the Family Health Services Authority in your area (the address will be in your local telephone directory) or most of the NHS doctors are listed on www.nhs.uk.

When going to register to a doctor, you might be asked for a proof of local address, do take the letter of acceptance of your spouse at the LBS, which proves that he is going to stay in the country for more than six months -- and therefore you as well. Take note that it is up to the discretion of the G.P. to register temporary residents with the NHS, so if you're not lucky the first time, try another doctor. After your first visit to the doctor (which is a small medical check-up), you will receive a medical card stating your NHS number. You should take this card with you whenever you go to see your doctor. It takes a while, though, for you to receive this medical card.

When you go to your doctor for the first time, be sure to find out the times when the surgery is open. Also ask whether the surgery operates an appointment-only system. There should also be an emergency telephone number, which you can call if you need to see a doctor outside the normal surgery opening hours. The NHS doctors directory lists out all these as well.

If the doctor prescribes any medicines, he or she will give you a prescription that you have to take to a chemist (e.g. Boots). They will give back to you a slip off the prescription, which is what you have to take back to the surgery, in case you need a repeat prescription. The check-up in case of illness with the GP is always free but you have to pay for the prescription.

IMPORTANT note for women: contraceptive pills are FREE, so do not hesitate to ask your doctor for them, and if you're already on it, do bring the chemical name; you'll probably find it here as well. Another tip: get your doctor to prescribe enough for long periods of time (i.e. six months). Otherwise, you'll have to go back to him every month, a true pain in the butt.

Dentists - In Britain, everyone has to pay something towards the cost of his or her dental treatment, even regular check-ups. However, if you are eligible for NHS treatment, you can also receive dental treatment at a reduced rate. Before you register, make sure that the dentist takes NHS patients. In most cases the Dentists always have a waiting list for NHS Patients and expect £15 - £25 for the first check-up for registration and then the rates depend on the treatment given.

Opticians - All patients have to pay for eye tests (around £15), lenses and frames for spectacles. However, if you are employed using computers then your employee may be legally obliged to pay for your eye tests, try asking HR for a free eye test voucher. Prices for lenses and frames vary considerably from place to place so have a look around before buying anything. If you usually wear glasses and/or lenses, we recommend that you bring with you a spare set, as well as all supplies associated with lenses (saline, tears, etc.). Remember: London is expensive!!

Maternity and Paediatrics -- See maternity section

BANK ACCOUNT

HSBC -- Your spouse will automatically get a bank account with your loan. But In case you do not have a loan or you need to open an account for yourself at HSBC or any other bank , then make sure you have your council-tax bill (exemption letter if applicable) to prove your current address, passport, photographs, previous bank statements, letter of acceptance of your spouse at London Business School.

MOBILE PHONES / LONG DISTANCE

In order to get a mobile phone contract, you will need an official bank statement, which is only acceptable if it is mailed directly to you from the bank. Copies or generated statements don't count...

You can also consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone, which is easy to purchase but over time it can be more expensive to do this then to enroll in a formal programme.

As for those long distance calls you're sure to make, register with one of the services that offer low rates for calls to other countries. We recommend purchasing £10 Unity cards at your local grocery store, post office or pharmacy. They offer the best call rates.

You can also get the Carphone Warehouse card for international mobile calls. It has no line rental, no contract, and simple tariff to all destinations.

GROCERY STORES

The grocery stores here vary in cost and quality. The main supermarket chains are:

• Tesco -- The market leader. Has a cheap value brand and good top end brand.
• ASDA -- The cheapest of the mainstream supermarkets but lacks some top end stuff.
• Sainsbury's -- Making a loss for the first time in 137 years, good top end but failing to compete with Tesco
• Waitrose -- The top end expect to pay more but get excellent own brand food

There are specialty markets that specialise in importing goods from the US and around the world. These markets are even more expensive -- you'll find yourself paying £4.00 for a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese (for example).

Supermarkets on sale - I was amazed to go into Waitrose one night and find items reduced. They never did this at the supermarkets at home! If you go into the supermarkets anywhere from two hours before closing to closing time, you should find an assortment of fresh items well below cost. Of course, those are the items that expire that day, but like my mom always told me, that's just the date the supermarket has to sell it by, not the date you have to eat it by.

So just what is reduced? It can be anything -- breads, rotisserie chickens, sushi, vegetables, milk, and fruit. Sometimes so many things are reduced; I end up having a bakery at the flat. I mean, how can you resist raisin bread for 10p or rolls for 15p or donuts for 20p? Beware of the "reduced vultures" though; these people crowd around the reduced items like scavengers hoping to take them all. Let them know who's boss.

THE POST OFFICE

The Post Office is a one stop shop here; it is amazing how much can be done at the Post Office. You can buy insurance, pay bills, get a list of local surgeries and mail those postcards home, all in one place.

Continue to Employment