Student Accommodation in London

Among the many cities in the UK, London, the capital of England, has rightly become the first choice for international students to study. London has something for everyone, from the bustling streets of Central London to the quieter neighbourhoods of the outer boroughs. The flag of London, United Kingdom, features a striking design with a red St. George's Cross on a white field, overlaid with a red sword in the upper left canton. The population of London, United Kingdom is about 9 million people, representing various cultures and backgrounds, making it one of the most populous cities in Europe.

The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Barbican Centre, The Regents Park, and the Houses of Parliament are among the city's iconic landmarks for students interested in history and architecture. These landmarks are not only visually appealing but also provide insight into the city's rich history and heritage.

London's cultural scene is unrivalled for students who enjoy art galleries, libraries, sports arenas, and cultural institutions. The city is home to some of the world's most famous museums, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, as well as a thriving theatre scene that includes famous West End productions.

Students enjoy London's food and drink culture as well. The city offers diverse cuisines and dining experiences, ranging from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. Students can also find a variety of inexpensive cafés and pubs that serve delicious meals and drinks, making it simple to socialize and meet new people.

With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, London is the best place to study, with a wealth of resources and assistance available to those pursuing higher education. Whether iconic institutions like the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge or the modern and innovative universities, London offers a brilliant blend of tradition and innovation. Studying in London means immersing yourself in a multicultural and intellectually stimulating environment.

The postcodes / zip codes for London, United Kingdom start with "EC", "WC", "N", "E", "SE", "SW", "W", and "NW", which indicate a broad area, followed by a number specifying a more precise location within that area. For example, W5 London refers to Ealing in West London. It might be confusing for newcomers initially, but understanding it is crucial and facilitates navigating student lodging in London.

If you plan to study at one of the top universities in London (UCL, UOL, KCL, IC, etc.), it's important to consider the location of your accommodation and the distance to your university. First, you need to know that there are 9 concentric Zones in London:

Zone 1 is the city centre, while Zone 9 represents the outermost Zone.

Zones 1 and 2 include a variety of luxury student accommodations in London.

In contrast, zones 3 to 9 are where more affordable student accommodations in London are based, including popular areas such as Hammersmith, West Kensington, Wimbledon, Moorgate-Barbican, Willesden, Woolwich Arsenal, Waterloo and Battersea.

It's generally a good idea to start looking for student accommodations near a school, tube, or bus station. Consider not only the commute to your university, but also your travel budget.

To find places to stay in London, England, close to your universities with easy access to public transport as well as 24/7 CCTV security, we've listed the most popular areas for students:

1. London Zone 1

Student accommodation in London Zone 1 is close to the best universities, including University College London, King's College London, and Imperial College London. The commute time from London Zone 1 to central London varies with transportation methods:

Tube (London Underground): 10–20 minutes

Bus: 20–30 minutes

Taxi: 15–20 minutes

Walking: 30–45 minutes

2. Camden

Camden, a North London neighbourhood, is home to a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and a lively yet historic music scene. It is also well-connected to other parts of London, with convenient transport access to London's top colleges. Travel time from Camden to the heart of city centre:

Tube: 10–15 minutes

Bus: 20–40 minutes

Taxi: 15–30 minutes

Walking: 30–45 minutes

Cycling: 15–30 minutes

3. Shoreditch

Shoreditch, a hub for creativity and innovation, is a vibrant and edgy neighbourhood in East London. Living in Shoreditch is popular among students with top tech companies, live music shows, art exhibitions, a food scene, etc. Travel time from Shoreditch to the city centre of London:

Tube: 10–15 minutes

Bus: 20–40 minutes

Taxi: 15–30 minutes

Walking: 30–45 minutes

Cycling: 15–30 minutes

4. Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is a popular accommodation area for international students because of its proximity to several prestigious universities, such as University College London (UCL), SOAS, and the University of London. Its central location provides easy access to central London.

Tube: 10–15 minutes

Bus: 15–30 minutes

Taxi: 10–20 minutes

Walking: 20–30 minutes

Cycling: 10–20 minutes

5. Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green is known for its low-cost student accommodation in London and proximity to universities like Queen Mary University of London. With the convenient transport links, students have a convenient and affordable cost of living in London. The commute time from Bethnal Green to central London is:

Tube: 10–15 minutes

Bus: 20–40 minutes

Taxi: 15–30 minutes

Walking: 30–45 minutes

Cycling: 15–30 minutes

6. Holloway

Holloway is located in North London with affordable student accommodation rents and easy access to famous universities like London Metropolitan University. Holloway offers students a comfortable and accessible living experience in London.

Tube: 15–20 minutes

Bus: 25–45 minutes

Taxi: 15–30 minutes

Walking: 45–60 minutes

Cycling: 20–35 minutes

7. Greenwich

Greenwich is one of the best areas for students to live because of its picturesque surroundings, maritime history, and convenience to the University of Greenwich and central London via the DLR. The travel time varies according to transportation modes.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway): 20–30 minutes

Train: 15–20 minutes

Bus: 30–45 minutes

Taxi: 30–45 minutes

Walking: 1–1.5 hours

Cycling: 30–45 minutes

Boat: 30–40 minutes.

8. King's Cross

With its central location and well-connected transport links, King's Cross is convenient for students attending universities like UCL. The commute time can be:

Tube: 5–10 minutes

Bus: 15–30 minutes

Taxi: 10–20 minutes

Walking: 20–30 minutes

Cycling: 10–20 minutes

9. Wembley

It is favoured by international students for its vibrant living experience and offers affordable student housing options nearby famous universities, including the University of Westminster and Middlesex University. The commute time to central London varies according to the public transport:

Tube: 25–35 minutes

Bus: 45 minutes–1+ hour

Cycling: 45 minutes–1 hour

Driving: 30–45 minutes

Train: 15–20 minutes

With such a diverse housing environment in London, booking cheap student accommodation in London is challenging for new students. This is where uhomes assists. Students can find cheap, cosy, well-decorated London student accommodation at uhomes.com

Searching for cheap student accommodation in London? We have an incredible selection of budget-friendly student homes in Zone 1 or the most desirable neighbourhoods near your university. Our cheap accommodation in London for students caters specifically to students, ensuring you'll stay within your maximum budget while enjoying the bustling London life. The student discounts frequently offered by student rental platforms like uhomes.com also make it easier to book cheap flats to rent in London.

For cheap student housing in London, you can find rooms to rent for under £300 per week on uhomes.com, including iQ Kingston, Arch View House, Chelsea Lightfoot Hall, North Lodge, and Station Court. There are many more options available on the London listings page on uhomes.com. Explore more of our cheap London student houses and secure your dream home in this fantastic city:

1. iQ City
2. iQ Tufnell House
3. Wood Lane Studios
4. Stratford One
5. Drapery Place
6. Moonraker Point
7. Hayloft Point
8. Spring Mews
9. iQ Will Wyatt Court
10. Urbanest Westminster

uhomes.com is one of the best websites to find accommodation in London. You can discover a range of London student housing options to cater to diverse needs. Whether you're looking for high-end, fully-equipped student flats for rent in London or affordable shared accommodation, London offers a wide selection of options. You can choose from excellent studios, ensuites, non-ensuites, 1-bedroom student apartments, or 2-bed student flats in London. With various sizes and styles available, it's easy for you to find the best student housing in London. Here are some of the best student accommodations in London, where you can truly enjoy your student life:

1. iQ Hammersmith
2. iQ The Arcade
3. Coppermaker Square
   
4. Alameda Building
5. The Lyra
6. iQ Shoreditch
7. Chapter Islington
8. Chapter Westminster
9. Portchester House
10. iQ Sterling Court

Living in London demands a comprehensive financial strategy, carefully considering student accommodation, daily expenses, and tuition fees. Students are advised to explore cost-saving measures, such as securing affordable London housing, preparing meals at home, and utilizing student discounts to manage their finances effectively while pursuing education in this vibrant yet expensive city.

1. London Student Accommodation:

London accommodation costs are the major expense, averaging £300 to £600 per week.

• - Studio accommodation in London: £400 to £600 per week (some luxury student accommodations in London offer studio options exceeding £1,000 per week)
• - En-suite in London: £300 to £500 per week
• - 1-bed apartment: £700 to £1,000 per week (cheaper options available like iQ Tufnell House)

2. Tuition Fees (Undergraduate):

Range: £13,000 to £35,000 per year (varies by program, with STEM and MBA subjects at higher averages around £40,000 annually)

3. Food Expenses:

Weekly grocery bill: £40-£70

Mid-range restaurant meal: £15-£20

4. Transportation:

Single bus or tube journey: £2.50-£3.00

Monthly travel pass (Young Person Card): £80-£100

5. Entertainment:

Film or concert tickets: £10-£30

6. Total Cost of Living Expenses in London

Monthly:

Housing: £800-£1,200

Food: £160-£280

Transportation: £80-£100

Entertainment: £50-£100

Yearly:

Accommodation: £9,600-£15,600

Living Expenses: £9,600-£14,400

Tuition Fees: £13,000 to £35,000

*The yearly cost of living in London totals around £23,520 in addition to tuition fees.

*Grand Total (mid-range estimate): £32,200 to £64,000 per year.

London city is the NO.1 choice for local and international students to study. With multiple world-class universities, abundant and cutting-edge educational resources and diverse courses for both undergraduates and postgraduates, London has attracted thousands of global students. Living and studying in this dynamic city, you can explore its rich culture and local life easily from our student accommodation in London, right near your campus. Here are the best universities ranking in the Top 50 in QS World University Rankings 2025:
1. Imperial College London
2. University College London
3. King's College London
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
5. Queen Mary University of London

London has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world, which connects six zones in the city, with integrated underground, train, and bus systems spanning across the city. You can get a Young Person Card to save on transportation costs.

*Travel Apps: Numerous apps, including TfL (Transport for London), Citymapper, and Uber, make navigating London's transportation network straightforward. They provide real-time updates, route planning, and fare information.

1. Tubes: Tubes are London's famous underground railway network that connects the city with 11 lines and over 270 stations. It is the most efficient way to travel around London, and it is used by millions of people every day. If you are searching for student and young professional accommodation London, one of the factors you need to consider is the distance between your lodging London and the tube stations.

Tips: The prices vary between peak hours and zones you travel in. Many of the accommodations are located within walking distance of tube stations, making it easy to travel.

2. Buses: London has an extensive bus network that covers all parts of the city, with over 8,000 buses operating on over 700 routes. Several buses run 24 hours a day, making it easy to travel at any time of the day or night.

The buses are also wheelchair accessible and offer free Wi-Fi, along with maintaining safety concerns. CCTV is installed on the bus, making it an easy and accessible mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

3. Cycling: There is a chance to explore the city by cycling, which is beneficial to the environment as it helps avoid pollution and benefits the human health of the individual. Several Santander bikes around the city can be unlocked using the app. 

4. River Services: The River Thames is utilized for transportation, with services such as Thames Clippers providing a unique and scenic way to travel between key locations.

5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Black cabs are also a familiar sight in London, and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available.

*Oyster Card and Contactless Payment:

• Oyster Card: A smart card for easy travel on public transport. It offers daily and weekly fare capping for cost-effective commuting.
• Contactless Payment: Use your contactless bank card or mobile device to pay. Daily and weekly caps apply.

Explore the reasons for studying in London below.

1. Best universities in London:

London is the best city for students in the UK, home to some of the world's most renowned universities with numerous libraries and support networks. Here we list the most prestigious universities in London city to help you decide where to stay in London:

• University of London
• University College London (UCL)
• King's College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Imperial College London
• University of Westminster

2. Multicultural environment:

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a population from all corners of the world. Studying in London can expose one to a wide range of cultures. For students interested in the arts, studying in London can provide access to some of the most exciting cultural experiences in the world.

3. Job opportunities:

London is an international hub for many industries, including finance, tech, entertainment, and media. The unemployment rate in the UK is below 4%, meaning that there is easy access to work opportunities once you earn a degree at a London university. Working in London allows students to progress and excel in their career paths.

4. Travel opportunities:

London is well-connected to other cities like Leeds, Bristol, Newcastle, and more in the UK and Europe. Studying in London can provide an opportunity to explore other places on the continent. One can reach Paris in just about two and a half hours.

The best time to look for the best student housing in London starts in May, although there will be student accommodation available all year round. But this is when landlords and London student accommodation providers begin advertising available properties for the upcoming academic year. First-year and international students generally start looking in January for student halls or shared housing in London. It'll be better to start your search as early as possible, ideally six months in advance, to have a wider selection of international student accommodation options and to secure the best deals. Start early if you want to book affordable accommodation in London!

While considering booking international student housing in London, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• 1. Location: Near London universities, transportation lines, or amenities like shopping malls or restaurants.
• 2. Budget: Consider London room rent and additional expenses like utilities and internet access. Research carefully if you want to rent affordable accommodation in London.
• 3. Types of student accommodation: Choose between different room types, such as studio flats, en-suites, shared apartments, private rooms, or single rooms for rent in London.
• 4. Room size: It depends on the number of people who will be living or your personal life needs, including a 1-bed or 2-bed flat to rent in London.
• 5. Security: Prioritize student lodging in London with adequate security measures: secure entry systems and on-site staff for peace of mind.
• 6. Facilities/Amenities: Check out what appliances and amenities, like laundry, gym access, and study areas, are included.
• 7. Lease Agreement: Review lease terms carefully, including payment schedules, lease lengths, and any rules or restrictions.

Several London accommodation types meet the needs of international students. Choose from our wide range of student properties in London:

Student Studios: Studio apartments in London are available in single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, living space, kitchen, and washroom.

En-suites: Designed for single occupancy, featuring private bathrooms and kitchen spaces for independent living.

Non-en-suites: i.e., shared accommodation London, which comes with a private bedroom, shared living space, shared kitchen, and shared bathroom. 

These are the main types of accommodations available to students in London. You can select your places to stay in London, England, considering your preferences, budget, and needs.

Some student housing in London requires a deposit (which may start out as a reservation fee), but not all—it depends on which accommodation you choose. If you are asked for a deposit, it will be capped at five weeks' rent.

The utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and heating, are included in most student flats in London. You will get more detailed information from the module of "Fee" on the property page or from our rental consultants' description.

International students find the best student accommodation in London via the following ways:

Online House Renting Platforms: The best website to find accommodation in London, including uhomes.com, allows students to browse listings of available properties and filter their search based on personal preferences such as location, room types, budget, etc.

Social Media: You can find listings of student rooms to rent in London through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Recommendations from Peers: Ask friends or classmates for referrals to good student properties in London or landlords they may know. This can be an effective way to find affordable student halls in London.

University Accommodation Services: Many London universities offer accommodation services to students, providing information about on-campus housing options and off-campus university accommodation in London.

Estate Agents: These professionals specializing in rental properties can help students find suitable accommodations in London.