Accomodation (inexpensive) in London for french student
 

A young french cousin (aged 20) will be in London as an unpaid intern this summer.
She needs inexpensive accomodation -- any ideas welcomed, especially leads on univeristy lodging that may be available and cheap over the summer months.
Thanks.
Julie
Dallas, TX

What's inexpensive? Are you looking for a hotel, a hostel or a room in a home?

I'm not much help, but any organization that hires interns should be helping with this information and know of possibilities. I'm really surprised if they don't, all the places I know that have interns do that. However, I have heard about some British universities where you can live in the dorm in the summer so I do think that is possible. These are the ones I've heard where that could work, so check them out:

London School of Economics

University College London
http://ucl.ac.uk/residences

King's COllege London
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/campuslife/serv...ats/index.aspx


Queen Mary, U of London see http://www.qmaccommodation.co.uk/

A friend stayed at the London School of Economics housing and was thrilled with location and value.

LSE accommodations are great - but they aren't all that <i>cheap</i>. What is her actual budget?

Uni accommodation (room in student halls of residence) can be between £30 and £100, depending on location, amenities etc (with or without private bathroom etc).
Cheapest will be a bed in a hostel, which can be from £12 to £25 a night. Cheapest hotel room without private facilities will be around £40, and £50 with in Central London, cheaper in the outer suburbs (but spend a lot on tube fares). Easyhotels have several in London, with price starting from around £40 in the summer.
Remember with London Olympics, availability during that and Paralympics will be limited and expensive.

One of the best accommodation search engines is http://www.hotelscombined.com/.

There are share accommodation ads on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com/flatshare/london

Some will be more desirable and legitimate than others, she could book a cheap hotel for the first few days - there are loads around Paddington - then look once she is there. We did this and found a self contained studio room that was fine. If she finds something super cheap I'd start looking for the catch - London is an expensive city.

Kay

generatorhostels.com
twizi.com
eurocheapo.com/london

lots of great options if flat sharing is not desired.
Most students love the Generator vibe.

hospitalityclub.org for helpful locals with cheap free stays sometimes...I belong have helped students there a great reputable site.