If you’re graduating this summer, your housing situation might be changing too. Read on to discover essential resources to help you with moving out, finding private rental accommodation and avoiding scams, and to learn about the support that King’s can offer you.
Moving out
With all the excitement of finishing university ahead of you, it can be easy to forget the admin of moving out. If you’re leaving private rented accommodation, there are a few key things that need to be done before you head off, including steps to ensure your security deposit is returned. To find out more, check out information on Student Services Online about key things to know about ending your tenancy.
Living with students after your course ends
You can carry on living with students after your course ends. However, your tax status changes as soon as your course finishes, which means you’ll have to start paying council tax for the property from the following day. You can check Student Records for your Confirmation of Study letter, which contains your expected course end date. For instructions on how to find your Confirmation of Study letter, you can find detailed instructions in our article I need to prove my student status.
If you’re the only non-student living in your house, you’ll be liable for the whole council tax bill. You may be able to claim a single person exemption, which gives you a 25% discount off your tax bill. You can find out more about council tax in our recent article, covering all things money after graduating.
Finding private accommodation in London
London’s housing market can be competitive, fast-moving, and expensive. If you’re looking for private rental accommodation but are unsure where to start, reading our article I need help finding somewhere to live might help.
You can also find information by watching our Videos about housing in London or visiting the University of London Housing Services webpage.
Avoiding accommodation scams
It’s important to be vigilant with searching for accommodation as scammers can target new graduates. To help you in your property search, we’ve put together safety tips for some of the most common scams in our article What accommodation scams are there, and how can I avoid them?
Need further advice or support?
You’re able to get help from King’s Money & Housing Advice team for up to four months after your course ends. Depending on your query, they can provide advice or signpost you to relevant support.
The team has already created a range of articles to help you know your rights when renting in the private sector: