Student accommodation in
London

Student Accommodation in London

London, the seat to the throne, is the largest city in the UK and serves as its capital. It is a bustling metropolis renowned for its economic prowess, transportation networks, and cultural vibrancy. When it comes to pursuing higher education, London offers a plethora of universities, including prestigious institutions located right within the city. If you're planning to study in London, it's crucial to secure your student accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth transition and address any logistical concerns. At Housemates, we provide a convenient platform for you to explore various student accommodation options in London and secure a room effortlessly.

London boasts a multitude of student accommodation choices, strategically located near esteemed universities such as the University of London, King's College London, University of Westminster, Imperial College London, and London School of Economics and Political Science. Whether you're looking for luxurious apartments, purpose-built student halls, private student accommodations, or shared housing, you'll find a wide range of options to cater to your needs and preferences in London.

Finding suitable student accommodation in London is essential to facilitate a comfortable and conducive living environment during your academic journey. By choosing from the diverse range of student accommodation options available in the city, you can secure a place that suits your requirements and allows you to make the most of your educational experience in the bustling capital.

About London

London, established by the Romans as Londinium retains its mediaeval charm and ancient core and is still a financial centre. Being one of the major global cities in the world, it exerts a strong influence on arts, entertainment, fashion, education, commerce and finance, tourism, science and technology, transport and communications. It is Europe’s most visited and 3rd most populated city. It has the world's oldest rapid transit system: London Underground and has the busiest city airport system in the world.

It has four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the combined Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and also the historic settlement in Greenwich, where the Royal Observatory, Greenwich defines the prime meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. Important sporting events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the London Marathon, and the finals of the FA Cup are all held in London.

With an abundance of attractions, vibrant nightlife, diverse groups of people, student-friendly destinations, and diverse gastronomic scenes, it makes London one of the most sought-after places to live or visit.

Best Localities for Student Housing:

For many people, leaving home and tasting the freedom that it brings is one of the key attractions of going to university. London is a vibrant and exciting city, but finding the right place to live can challenging, especially for students. Besides the city centre, you still have numerous options lined with various restaurants, pubs, and chains of supermarkets. Here are some of the best areas for student accommodation in London:

Bloomsbury: This is a popular area for students as it is close to many universities, including University College London (UCL) and the University of London. The area is also home to many cultural museums, such as the British Museum, Charles Dickenson Musem, Grant Musem of Geology, the Russell Square, all worth visiting. Lewisham Exchange provides great student accommodation here serving some excellent views, ample study space and other amenities.

Greenwich: Greenwich is a beautiful and historic area, with many parks and open spaces. It is also home to the University of Greenwich, which has a stunning campus overlooking the River Thames. Lewisham Exchange is a stone's throw away from Greenwich.

Camden: Camden is known for its lively atmosphere and has plenty of bars, music venues, and restaurants. It is a popular area for students as it is close to many universities, including the University of Westminster and University College London. It offers excellent transport connections and affluence of lifestyle highlights. Though it is on the pricey side, it is still famous for a market full of quirky clothes, street food and artwork.

Shoreditch: Shoreditch is a trendy area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and galleries. It is a popular area for students as it is close to many universities, including City University and the University of East London. Despite being known for edgy nightlife scenes, it also offers quiet

libraries with helpful staff where you can focus on your assignments without a visit to the universities.

Hackney: Hackney is a diverse and vibrant area with plenty of independent shops, markets, and cafes. It is home to many students, particularly those studying at the University of the Arts London. It is described as one of the most expensive and luxurious digs for students. It boasts luxury apartments and residences, theatres, and green spaces. It is full of treasures waiting to be discovered if you do your research.

South Kensington: South Kensington is a fashionable and upmarket area, home to Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art. It is also close to other universities, including the University of London and University College London. There are many fine cafes and restaurants to hang out at and museums like the National History Museum and Science Museum.

Public Transport:

London has an extensive public transportation network that makes it easy to get around the city. They offer maps, transport passes, or cards, all making it simpler to travel if you have done your research. Here are the primary modes of public transport in London:

London Underground: Also known as the Tube, the London Underground is a fast and convenient way to travel around London. There are 11 lines and over 270 stations across the city, covering both central and suburban areas. There will always be a station within walking distance from where you live.

London Buses: London's famous red buses are one of the most extensive in the world, with over 8,000 buses running across more than 700 routes. Buses are a cheap and rewarding way

to travel around the city, and they operate 24 hours a day. You’ll see a lot of London from the top deck of the buses.

Overground: The London Overground is a suburban rail network that connects the outer parts of the city to central London. It operates on several lines and connects with the Underground network at many stations. It is used by locals to get home from work, and it also helps visitors get to Windsor and Hampton Court.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR): The DLR is an automated light rail system that operates in East London. It connects the Docklands area with other parts of the city, including the City of London.

Trams: Trams operate in South London, connecting areas such as Croydon and Wimbledon to other parts of the city.

Taxis: Black cabs are a common sight in London and are available for hire on the street or through a taxi app. Private hire vehicles, such as Uber, are also widely available.

Passes/ Travel Cards: You can choose the Oyster Card, Travel Card or London Pass based on your needs.

Cost of Living:

London is an expensive city, and the cost of living for students can vary depending on various factors, such as the area they live in, their accommodation type, lifestyle, and the institution they attend. Here are some of the expenses that you can expect to encounter when living in London:

Rent: £600 - £1500 per month

Transportation: A monthly pass will cost around £70 - £150 using the Student Oyster Card Grocery: A weekly bill may come upto £60 - £120

Phone, Laundry and Personal care: £100 - £150

Entertainment: London offers a vast range of entertainment options, but these can come at a cost. Students can expect to pay around £5 to £15 for a cinema ticket, £20 to £50 for a theatre ticket, and £100 to £150 for drinks and food at bars and pubs.

You can expect monthly spending of £1000 - £2000 based on your lifestyle.

Nightlife in London:

London is famous for its diverse and exciting nightlife scene. Below are some areas frequented by students in London:

Soho: Soho is a popular nightlife destination with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to explore on foot. Salsa Soho is an authentic Latin nightclub bringing all of South America’s culture into Central London.

Camden: Camden is another area with a lively nightlife scene in North London. It's known for its alternative vibe and is home to many live music venues, including the iconic Roundhouse. It is the place to be for heavy metal thrashers, cocktail drinkers, and bar crawlers alike. Blues Kitchen is one of the best places to go clubbing; they host a set of live bands after the sun goes down. Zodiac is an LGBTQ+ bar offering a split-level venue with everything from karaoke and drag to fire-breathers.

Shoreditch: Shoreditch is a trendy area with a variety of bars, clubs, and street food vendors. It's known for its hipster vibe and is a great place to experience London's East End culture. Ballie Ballerson invites students to roll around ball pools and sip innovative cocktails while enjoying steaming slices of Pizzas.

West End: London's West End is home to many theatres, cinemas, and music venues. It's the best place to catch a show or a concert and explore the many bars and restaurants in the area. Tiger Tiger London is a popular club amongst students in the area, open Monday through Sunday, offering affordable drinks and lively music. The Lighthouse is also a great option with tickets to the weekly club night: Drop the Bass for just a fiver.

Rooftop bars: London has a variety of rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city skyline. Some popular options include the Sky Garden, Madison, and the Queen of Hoxton.

Pub crawls: London is home to many traditional pubs, and a pub crawl is a great way to explore the city's drinking culture. Some popular pub crawl routes include the East End Pub Crawl, the Camden Pub Crawl, and the Soho Pub Crawl. You can expect anything from a free shot upon entry, epic hosts, and chart-topping tunes keeping you going until the early hours.

Major Universities in London:

London is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Below are some of them:

University College London (UCL): UCL is a leading research university located in central London. It has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs in various fields including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and medicine. Founded in 1826, it boasts of producing 30 Nobel laureates.

Imperial College London: Founded in 1907, Imperial College is a science-focused institution that excels in engineering, technology, and medicine. It is located in South Kensington, London and has a strong international reputation for research excellence.

King's College London: Based in the heart of London, King's College is known for its academic excellence in humanities, law, health sciences, and social sciences. It has five campuses in central London and offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. You’ll also have exclusive access to an unparalleled range of activities, helping you enrich your experience and build your network.

London School of Economics and Political Science: Established in 1895, LSE is a specialized institution in social sciences and is ranked among the top universities in the world for social sciences. It is located in the heart of London and has a diverse student body from over 150 countries.

University of the Arts London: UAL is a world-renowned arts institution that comprises six colleges, including Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, and London College of Communication. It offers courses in art, design, fashion, media, and performing arts.

Queen Mary University of London: QMUL is a leading research university located in East London. It has a strong reputation for excellence in humanities, social sciences, medicine, and science and engineering. You can enjoy the best that London has to offer while you study here.

University of London: City is a leading institution in business and the professions. It has a strong focus on practical education and offers courses in law, journalism, psychology, engineering, and business.