<p>I am planning to study abroad summer 2014 and fall 2014 in/near London (two separate programs). I will have about 3 weeks in between the end of the summer program and beginning of fall semester. Are there any relatively cheap places to stay for that amount of time? I will not be able to stay in the dorms and everyone is required to vacate, no exceptions. I can’t afford the plane ticket back to the states only to fly back so soon. But if lodging will be that expensive, I may have to. </p>
<p>Also, has anyone had luck (or their children) with applying for a long-term visa for the first time? The consular website says it may be better to apply for a short term visa first then a long term one if one has never held a UK visa before. I will be in UK from late June to early December, albeit different locations within the same country (England). I would prefer to apply for a long term (up to 11mos) student visa than a short term or student visitor visa. </p>
<p>Generally YHA hostels are the best if you want somewhere relatively quiet, clean and inexpensive - they’re popular with families for that reason, but make sure you get one with a kitchen to keep costs down, as not all of their London hostels have one. Failing that, I stayed in Clink78 this summer, which was very good and clean with a free breakfast and free wifi. </p>
<p>I can’t help on the visa front I’m afraid - I’m a UK citizen.</p>
<p>If you are a US citizen you do not need a visa to stay in the UK for six months or less.</p>
<p>Are you attending a summer program with other US students or Europeans?</p>
<p>If Europeans, make friends and get a couple of invites to peoples houses in your summer break. If Americans, make friends and go traveling with them in your summer break (staying in hostels). It will be summer so you could always try camping (on the south coast and hope for sunshine, but take waterproofs).</p>