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When You First Arrive — Shorter term working traveller accommodation in London

If your main goal is to start working as quickly as possible after you arrive in the UK, you should plan to find a short-term, well-located, reasonably priced, safe and secure pad to stay in when you first arrive. From here you can begin job-hunting, looking for a more permanent pad and of course enjoying the sights of London!

There are a lot of accommodation options in London and some types are far more suited to working travellers than others. Your main options are:


Arriving Soon — Apply to Jobs
Going to the UK in the next 2 years — Register with UK agencies.

Accommodation London
An accommodation option exists through Accommodation London. A place for you to stay that has been designed specifically with the working traveller in mind. These modern, fully furnished studio apartments are located conveniently in Zone 2 (see Getting around London), close to central London so you can live in style from day one! Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and is located close to public transport, Internet cafes, pubs and supermarkets. In order to keep costs down to affordable, working traveller budgets, the apartments are based on sharing between 2 or 3 people. Unlike many hostels and guesthouses, each studio apartment has its own bathroom and has a safe place for your belongings. This type of accommodation is usually in high demand and it is a good idea to book Accommodation London in advance of your arrival. Depending on your plans you may want to stay longer term in which case a lower, longer-term rental fee can be arranged.

London Discount Hostel
Hostel accommodation is traditionally a popular option for working travellers starting out in London. Hostel accommodation is flexible (there’s no contract or lease agreement and you don’t have to feel guilty about dossing) and inexpensive (expect to pay from £11 to £18 per night). Staying in a hostel is also a great way to meet other travellers who can give you travel tips and advice on living in London; or if nothing else, join you in the nearest pub for a pint!

There are hundreds of discount hostels across London with varying degrees of comfort, cleanliness and privacy (most will have shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities) so it pays to shop around. Most London based discount hostels will offer a weekly rate that works out cheaper than paying night by night, and often have a range of facilities and services including Internet access, televisions, kitchens, laundries and travel information services. To find the best hostel for you, shop around our UK Youth Hostel links. Ideally you should try to choose a Cheap Hostel in London or Backpackers Hostel located within Zone 1 or Zone 2, so you are not too far from the main sights and attractions. In peak season it is important to book your UK accommodation in advance.

Guesthouses, Small Hotels and Accommodation London
If the idea of sharing a dorm room with other travellers isn’t your cup of tea, there are other options for the working traveller who has concerns about privacy and the safety of their belongings. You may want to consider staying at a guest house, small hotel, Bed & Breakfast or using a service like Accommodation London. In most Guest Houses or Small Hotels you will probably have your own room but may still have to share a bathroom with several other guests. If you can share a twin room with a mate, you will find it even cheaper. Safes for your valuables are sometimes provided, so you won’t have to worry about stashing all of your belongings in your padlocked bag every time you leave the room. Hot breakfasts are usually included and you'll have a cupboard in which to hang your job-searching suit! If you are travelling during the off-peak season or decide to stay longer-term, many UK guesthouses and small hotels will offer a discount to you if you ask.

Travelstay
If like most working travellers you’re on a tight budget until you begin earning pounds, TravelStay is an online provider of budget hotel and discount hostel accommodation. This website provides easy navigation for finding cheap and secure accommodation.

Live-in Accommodation London, UK
If you can handle sleeping where you work and vice-versa, live-in accommodation is a great option. Many jobs within a pub or hotel environment such as waiting tables, bartending, reception work and kitchen jobs offer live-in work arrangements. Often in a live-in arrangement some meals and board are included, and depending on the number of hours you work you can be paid wages on top of this. With virtually no grocery bills or rent due (and hopefully discounts on drinks and meals), many working travellers will quickly save enough money to begin their next travel adventure or move into somewhere more permanent. Most live-in work is usually found outside of London, in regional UK areas, smaller cities, and towns. It often involves long hours and hard work, so think carefully when considering this option.

Dossing in London, UK
The time-honoured tradition of ‘dossing’ is where you pay a small weekly amount (or if you’re lucky enough to have a generous mate, nothing at all) for a piece of floor, cupboard or couch. Yes, you read right - a cupboard is indeed a valued piece of UK dossing real estate! A ‘dosshouse’ could have 5 to 15 people living within its walls and in many cases the focus is on partying. Sleep and privacy often take second place; yet for many this accommodation option suits perfectly. Be sure to offer to help out around the place and contribute to any expenses (a good dosser will be allowed to stay on longer than a lazy one!) and be careful not to outstay your welcome.

Arm yourself with other WORKgateways' useful tips and information.

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