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Short-term accommodation options

Birkbeck's accommodation provision is limited to the allocation of rooms in partner halls for long-term contracts. If you are coming to study at Birkbeck for a shorter period (one or two terms), you may need to be prepared to make special arrangements.

Most halls of residence only offer long-term accommodation to students, with contracts from 40 to 51 weeks, however, a number of options are available should your stay be shorter:

  • A Homestay (Host Family) Accommodation is a type of accommodation where you rent a room from a local host family and live as part of their household. The accommodation is normally cheaper than renting a room in a shared flat or house as you share facilities with your host family. This type of accommodation can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual and has flexible lengths of stay.
  • Homestays appeal to international students and students moving away from home for the first time as they allow you to live and learn the local lifestyle and language in a unique way. 
  • The University of London Housing Services have a registration scheme for private landlords, letting agents, private halls and other providers of private accommodation for students and staff. These accommodation providers advertise their properties and rooms on the ULHS online database. 
  • Most independent halls of residence only offer long-term accommodation to students, however they advertise vacant rooms on a short-term basis closer to the beginning of term. You can book this directly on the organisation's website or on the University of London independent provider list property platform.
  • University of London Visitor Accommodation: The University of London offers a range of great value holiday and short-term accommodation in unbeatable central London locations.

Accommodation options outside of term time

Over the summer, many halls of residence operate as bed and breakfast accommodation which is available to members of the public. You can book this directly on the organisation's website or on the University of London independent provider list (short stay) property platform.