Before you arrive in London, it may be helpful to arrange short-term accommodation to provide a base while you decide where you’d like to live.

Short term accommodation is available to King's staff and visiting academics by contacting the King’s Residences team kingsresidences@kcl.ac.uk  or call 020 7848 5959.

Serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts and hotels can be booked through search sites such as Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Expedia, KAYAK, Airbnb.

Where you choose to live will depend on factors such as where your work is based, the environment, proximity to open spaces and what you like to do in your spare time.

Prices to buy or rent in London can be expensive and it may be worth considering a town or suburb just outside London for cheaper rents and house prices.

Check the location of our campuses to help you decide where to settle.

To rent a place with a letting agency in the UK, you will typically have to undergo several checks.

If you cannot prove your earnings or you do not have a UK guarantor, you may be asked to pay six months rent upfront.

If this is not possible, you may be able to find a private landlord. King’s can provide earnings references: If you are a new starter at King’s, email HR: HR@kcl.ac.uk to request a reference.

If you have already started work here and been paid, please email Payroll Admin: PayrollAdmin@kcl.ac.uk

Buying a home is another option. The most common approach is to take out a UK mortgage on a property.

You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to deal with the paperwork. Costs include legal fees, stamp duty and land registry costs.

Find properties to rent or buy on the following sites: Rightmove; Zoopla; On The Market.

Find out about areas to live in London.

Setting up utilities and communications

The utilities include water, electricity and gas supplies.

In most cases, the utilities will already be connected to a supplier and you need to contact the suppliers to register them in your name.

If you have bought a home and any of these aren't connected, you can arrange connection fairly quickly.

If you’re renting, the agent will tell you if the rent includes utility bills.

Your water supplier depends on where you live.

Gas and electricity are privatised and there are many suppliers who often offer a package for both.

You are free to choose supplier but, if you are renting, check with your landlord that it’s OK to switch.

Confused.com provides a useful price comparison service for energy suppliers.

Council tax funds local government services such as the police service, fire service and refuse collection.

Everyone renting or owning a property must pay council tax and the amount depends on where you live and the band your property has been given.

More information is on the Government website.

There are plenty of internet providers to choose from and many offer packages including internet, TV and mobile phone.

You’ll need to activate your land line in order to receive broadband internet.

If you want to watch TV, either on a standard digital set or online, you must purchase an annual TV licence.

Buildings insurance is compulsory if you own your home and also car insurance, if you have a car.

Other insurances that are common, but not compulsory, include home contents insurance and life insurance.

Below are two insurance comparison websites.

Compare the Market: www.comparethemarket.com

Go Compare: www.gocompare.com