Accommodation in London for young French student?

[AuSecours]

I'm putting this here hoping that someone can help.

A friend of a friend in France is desperately trying to sort out accommodation for her son who has just found out he has a place at a university in London (not sure which) as a part of a dual diploma course with his university in France. I don't have all the details but I believe he has to do the first year in London and then the rest in Paris.

He was on the waiting list and a place became available which means it's all very last minute. I imagine it's hard enough to find decent and affordable student accommodation at the best of times, so this is a shot in the dark.

I'm looking for any advice, really.

They could possibly be interested in a homestay arrangement as he's quite young (not yet 18), so any reputable agencies?

Are there any French expat groups?

All ideas welcome!

Would it be worth contacting the Institut Francais?

private student housing blocks? Rent a room in a student flatshare?

Thanks for replying.

Yes, she's looking at private halls but the Institut français is something I hadn't thought of.

I think a flat share will be hard to sort out from abroad though.

As I said, I don't know which university it is but when the lady contacted them to ask about accommodation she was told it's up to the students themselves to sort it out. Is that typical in London? I thought most places guaranteed a place in halls fof first years and exchange students these days?

What about SAGA? They are running a scheme placing young people with Seniors who own their home but would like someone trusted lodging in their home. Absolutely NO caring involved, but knowing someone is going to be around and they enjoy each others companionship

I think it's a marvellous idea IF PROPERLY VETTED

Oooooh! That's an idea. Worth looking into. Do you have any experience of this yourself?

Yha until they turn 18?
Under 18s admissions policy | YHA https://share.google/HjdQy5vtHsYDjVXxQ

Of course not. This hasn't been the case since student numbers were uncapped about 10 years ago. There is a limited number of hall placements. They can't guarantee it for all first year students. It's not just in London. The problem is country-wide.
It's perfectly possible to find accommodation from abroad. Virtual viewings are very common since the pandemic. What is more of a problem is finding something which is both decent and affordable. She might just have to lump it in a shithole in Croydon. All part of "London experience" and, at least, it has decent connections to central London.
My uni had a Facebook group for students to team up when looking for rentals. I found my housemates this way in my first year. Although, I'd say they left it very very late.

Home share looks like you need to be 18 at least, unfortunately.

YHA could be a good solution, at least fir now. Thanks for that.

@Catza I've lived abroad for over 30 years and am absolutely out of touch!
Facebook group is a good idea. As is travelling in from outside. Thanks.

I’m making some assumptions here, but if he’s French, might he be Catholic and comfortable in a religious hall?

Newman House says it’s full but has a waiting list. Excellent location for UCL, KCL and LSE. https://www.universitycatholic.net/accommodation/newman-house-residential-community/.

This place appears to have vacancies: https://booking.leeabbeylondon.com/lee-abbey-%7C-student-accommodation-lexham-gardens-student-housing/7?moveInDate=#availability.

As does this one: https://www.williamtemplehouse.co.uk.

Institut de France in South Ken offers short term accommodation which might be useful in a pinch: https://www.maison-institut.com/informations-pratiques/#Reservation.

His parents could also contact the University of London housing service: https://housing.london.ac.uk/find-accommodation/short-term-housing.

That is so very kind of you @DrUptonsGardenGnome to take the time to find all those leads.
I'm very grateful.
I've forwarded the links to my friend to pass on.
Hopefully the family in question will be able to find something suitable.

Netherhall House https://share.google/vsalJMqVlBhoVRK9w