Visiting London
Accommodation
We are unable to help visitors find accommodation. However, there are a number of websites for finding short- and long-term accommodation:
- University of London Halls
- University of London Housing Service
- Endsleigh Court apartments, nearby
- Goodenough Club (for visitors) nearby
- Doctor in the House short, medium and long-term accommodation for medical, academic and other professional staff. Various locations in all areas of London.
- Loot classified advertisements, including for shared accommodation
- Gumtree classified advertisements
- Rightmove information about renting accommodation in London - for longer term stays
- Hostelbookers information about cheap accommodation
- Study London for student accommodation
- SpareRoom information on a wide range of flats, houses and rooms for rent
Getting a visa
- UK Border Agency - the 'do I need a visa?' section is useful
- See also the UK Border Agency section on Visitors, including academic visitors (Visiting Doctoral Fellows are not included in this category) and parents with children
Childcare and schools
Childcare
- Childcare Link government website
- UCL Nursery nearby, usually has waiting list, especially for babies
Childcare places can be difficult to find in central London, so enquire early
Schools
- UK Schools and Colleges database, including a map of the Local Authorities (helpful to know when doing a search)
- Schools in London
- Overseas visitors should note that state-funded UK schools are for UK residents only, and a special visa is needed for students to attend such schools. Visitors should contact the UK Border Agency before enrolling children in state funded schools to avoid immigration issues.
Healthcare
Local residents and students of the University may register with the Gower Street Practice, which is very close to Senate House. The National Health Service (NHS) has a non-emergency number - NHS 111 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Getting around London and beyond
Transport for London has a tube map and a useful Journey Planner tool to help find out how to get from one part of London to another. The best way of getting around London via tube and bus is to buy an Oyster card (£3 refundable) and either buy pre-pay credit or a travelcard (daily, weekly, monthly, annual).
For travel further afield, thetrainline.com is a useful site for finding out train times and the duration of travel between two destinations as well as for buying tickets online.
Library access
Senate House Library - as a visitor to the Institute you will be eligible for a free library card.