Accommodation

2026-27 Applications
Two students converse outside the front of the Academy.

Finding somewhere to live in London might feel like an intimidating prospect, but our accommodation staff are on hand to help.

If you have any questions, please email us at accommodation@ram.ac.uk.

Located in Marylebone, the Academy is in the heart of central London. Accommodation within walking distance can be expensive; most students and staff live a 20- to 30-minute commute away. Please remember to factor travel costs into your budget. Students are eligible for discounted transport via a TfL Student Oyster Photocard.

2026-27 Season Applications

Friday 13 March

The accommodation applications for the University of London Intercollegiate Halls via the Academy for 2025-26 are now open.

Monday 25 May 09.00 (UK time)

University of London intercollegiate halls close.

June - August

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their University of London halls application on a rolling basis.

Begin your application

Halls of Residence

Halls of residence are an excellent option, especially for first-year undergraduate and international students. They offer a secure environment, built-in social opportunities, and rent that typically includes all utility bills, making budgeting simpler. Because places are highly oversubscribed, we recommend applying to multiple options as early as possible (usually around April).

1. University of London (UoL) Intercollegiate Halls

The Academy is allocated a limited quota of rooms across various UoL halls, including Nutford House (catered), College Hall (catered), and The Garden Halls (self-catered). Because demand exceeds our allocation, the Academy uses a priority system to assign rooms, ordered as follows:

  1. Students with medical conditions or special requirements (proof may be required by UoL).
  2. Students with severe food allergies/intolerances requiring specific catering setups.
  3. Students relocating from overseas.
  4. UK students living a significant distance from the Academy.
  5. First-year students, followed sequentially by second-, third-, and fourth-year students.

2. International Student House (ISH)

Located on Great Portland Street—just a five-minute walk from the Academy—ISH offers affordable dormitory, triple, twin, and single rooms for students across London. Places are in extremely high demand; you must apply directly to ISH as soon as their application cycle opens (typically March/April).

3. Other Private Halls of Residence

There are numerous commercial student halls across London. They generally feature clusters of five en-suite bedrooms sharing a communal kitchen and living space. Halls within walking distance of Marylebone carry a premium price, while options further out offer lower costs. 
Note: Dedicated instrument practice facilities are rare in private halls. Always check your provider's specific house rules regarding practising in bedrooms.

Popular private providers include:

Private Rented Accommodation

Many students choose to move into the private rental market (flatshares, houseshares, or lodgings) from their second year onwards. While the Academy can offer support, it holds no legal responsibility for private tenancies. For comprehensive, free legal and housing advice, Academy students are fully entitled to use the University of London Housing Services (ULHS).

Finding a Property

To research prices, availability, and listings, use major UK property portals or the university's vetted search platform:

  • Rightmove or Zoopla (Commercial property portals used by estate agents).
  • House Hunt (UoL Platform): The official University of London property platform. All landlords and agents on House Hunt are strictly vetted against a Code of Practice, ensuring up-to-date gas/electrical safety certificates and legitimate ownership to protect you from scams.
  • UoL Flatmate Finder: A secure platform to connect with other students looking for flatshares.

Types of Private Rentals

  • House or Flat Shares: Renting a bedroom in a property shared with other tenants where the landlord lives off-site. Ensure you agree on musical practice hours before signing. 
    Warning: Most group tenancies involve 'joint and several liability', meaning you are legally responsible if a flatmate fails to pay their share of the rent.
  • Lodgings and Homestays: Renting a room within a property where the live-in landlord/owner resides. Kitchen and bathroom spaces are typically shared, contracts are flexible, and utility bills are usually included.
  • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO): If you share a property with 5 or more flatmates, your landlord must hold a valid HMO Licence. Always ask to see a copy of this licence before committing.

Important Legal & Financial Considerations

  • Rental Scams & Fees: Never pay an agency or landlord money to find a property or view a listing—doing so is illegal. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, almost all administrative, inventory, and referencing fees are banned for tenants in England.
  • Renters' Rights Act 2026: Enforced from 1 May 2026, this legislation introduces major structural protections. Fixed-term tenancies are abolished in favour of monthly rolling agreements (Assured Periodic Tenancies), allowing you to leave at any point giving two months' notice. Rental 'bidding wars' are banned, rent increases are capped at once per year, and 'no-fault' (Section 21) evictions are illegal. Note: A specific ground allows landlords to reclaim dedicated student tenancies at the conclusion of the academic year. For full context, read the Government Guide to the Renters' Rights Act.
  • Right to Rent Checks: If you are an international student, UK landlords are legally required to check your immigration status before renting to you. You will need to provide a share code from the UK Government website to prove your right to rent to your landlord or letting agent.
  • Deposits: Security deposits are legally capped at the equivalent of 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000). Your deposit must be registered with an official tenancy deposit protection scheme (such as the Deposit Protection Service) within 30 days of payment. Ensure you receive your official scheme certificate.
  • References & Guarantors: Landlords will require references (proof of student status, bank statements). Most will require a UK-based financial guarantor. If you are an international student without a UK guarantor, landlords frequently request 6 to 12 months of rent paid upfront. This is non-refundable if you choose to leave the course early, so budget carefully.
  • Tenancy Contracts: You will typically sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Always review your contract thoroughly before signing. We highly recommend using the ULHS Contract Checking Service or referencing the ULHS Housing Contract Guide before committing.
  • Council Tax Exemption: Full-time students are exempt from Council Tax. While halls of residence handle this automatically, if you live in private rentals, you must apply for an exemption yourself. Once your enrolment is fully complete, you can download a Council Tax Exemption Letter by logging into the Academy Intranet via the Students & Staff Portal (Services > Registry). If you share a property with non-students, the property will not be fully exempt. Learn more via GOV.UK Council Tax Advice.

Useful Resources

Hostels

Run by charitable or not-for-profit organisations, hostels provide low-cost accommodation (often in shared dorms or twin rooms, though some private rooms exist). Many include meals, social activities, and on-site wardens, but they often enforce stricter house rules, such as curfews or visitor restrictions. Popular options include: