What is Greater London?How many boroughs are in London?How Are London Boroughs Divided?Which Boroughs are in North London?What are the Boroughs in East London?What are the 12 Boroughs of South London?What are the West London Boroughs?Inner London vs Outer London for StudentsBest London Boroughs to Live for StudentsBest Boroughs for Budget-Conscious StudentsBest Boroughs near Major UniversitiesFind Your Home with uhomes.com in the Right London BoroughConclusionFAQ
What is considered Central London?
Is Camden in Central London?
What are London travel Zones?
How many cities are in London?
What are the richest boroughs in London?
What are the most dangerous boroughs in London?
Moving to the UK capital is a life-changing experience. However, understanding the complex geography of the city is often the first major hurdle for domestic and international students alike. With millions of residents, world-class universities, and diverse cultures spread across a vast area, navigating the various city areas of London requires a clear understanding of how the city is organised. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive list of London boroughs, trying to map out your daily commute, or simply searching for a borough area guide to help you find the cheapest student accommodation, you are in the right place. In this extensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about every district in London, England.
What is Greater London?
What is considered the Greater London? Greater London is the top-level administrative area that encompasses all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. Covering a massive area of approximately 1,572 square kilometres, it is home to around 9 million people. It was officially created in 1965 to encompass the growing urban sprawl of the capital.
How many boroughs are in London?
There are exactly 32 London boroughs. When combined with the City of London, they form the 33 local authority districts that make up the entire metropolitan area.
Each of these 32 London boroughs has its own local council, known as a London borough council, which is responsible for managing local services such as council tax, public housing, schools, local roads, and waste collection.
Here’s the list of 32 London boroughs:
| Borough | Designation |
|---|---|
| Barking and Dagenham | Outer |
| Barnet | Outer |
| Bexley | Outer |
| Brent | Outer |
| Bromley | Outer |
| Camden | Inner |
| Croydon | Outer |
| Ealing | Outer |
| Enfield | Outer |
| Greenwich | Inner |
| Hackney | Inner |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | Inner |
| Haringey | Outer |
| Harrow | Outer |
| Havering | Outer |
| Hillingdon | Outer |
| Hounslow | Outer |
| Islington | Inner |
| Kensington and Chelsea | Inner |
| Kingston upon Thames | Outer |
| Lambeth | Inner |
| Lewisham | Inner |
| Merton | Outer |
| Newham | Outer |
| Redbridge | Outer |
| Richmond upon Thames | Outer |
| Southwark | Inner |
| Sutton | Outer |
| Tower Hamlets | Inner |
| Waltham Forest | Outer |
| Wandsworth | Inner |
| Westminster | Inner |
Note: The City of London (often called “the Square Mile”) is not a London borough but the 33rd principal division of Greater London.
How Are London Boroughs Divided?
Among all London boroughs, 12 boroughs are in inner London, along with the City of London, and 20 are in outer London. Understanding how all London boroughs are geographically divided is crucial. The capital is traditionally split into different compass points, shaping the distinct regions of London. Furthermore, it is important to note that London boroughs and postcodes do not perfectly align. Postcodes like E1 or NW1 were designated by the Royal Mail strictly for mail delivery efficiency. It means a single postcode can cross the borders of multiple boroughs in London. Here is the definitive breakdown of London’s districts by geographical zone.
Which Boroughs are in North London?
The boroughs in North London are Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden, Islington, and Hackney. North London is widely celebrated for its rich cultural history, alternative arts scene, and vast green spaces. Neighbourhoods here feature a mix of Georgian architecture, bustling weekend markets, and incredible transport links.
Camden is famous for its music scene and Camden Market. Lots of students visit Camden Market every weekend. Islington has cafes and shops. Some areas, like Barnet, are quieter and more suburban. They are good for people who want to get away from the city noise.
What are the Boroughs in East London?
The boroughs in East London are Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest. Historically, the industrial heartland of the capital, East London, has undergone a massive transformation over the past two decades.
Fueled by the 2012 Olympic Games, areas in London like Stratford (in the London Borough of Newham) have become ultra-modern hubs with colossal shopping centres and numerous modern student housing. Tower Hamlets is home to Canary Wharf, a major global financial centre. Today, East London is considered the trendiest, most creative, and most culturally diverse part of the city, packed with vintage stores, street art, and pop-up food markets.
What are the 12 Boroughs of South London?
The 12 boroughs of South London are Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, and Wandsworth. South London lies entirely south of the River Thames. A key characteristic of South London is that it relies much less on the London Underground. It is known for its unique blend of “village-like” neighbourhoods.
What are the West London Boroughs?
The West London boroughs are Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Known for its affluence and beautiful architecture, West London is highly sought after by professionals, wealthy expatriates, and international students. It is home to some of the most expensive and luxurious districts in London, England. The area boasts world-class shopping destinations and high-end residential streets. West London boroughs are highly convenient for international students who frequently travel back home.
Inner London vs Outer London for Students
When searching for accommodation, understanding the distinction between inner London boroughs and outer London boroughs is critical. This division heavily impacts your daily commute times, your lifestyle, and most importantly, your rent.
Inner London Boroughs: The inner London boroughs are made up of thirteen areas that are right in the middle of Greater London. These areas are Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and the City of Westminster. For students living in London, inner boroughs are really convenient because they can walk or take a short Tube ride (within 30 minutes) to reach university campuses, famous museums, clubs and libraries.
Outer London Boroughs: The outer London boroughs are the 20 districts that encircle the inner core. These include areas like Brent, Ealing, and Kingston upon Thames. Choosing to live in outer London provides students with much more space, larger rooms, and significantly lower rent. It offers a quieter, more community-focused lifestyle. While you will need to rely on public transport to reach central university campuses in London, the savings on accommodation often far outweigh the cost of a student travel card.
Best London Boroughs to Live for Students
Choosing the right base among London boroughs requires balancing your university location, lifestyle preferences, and financial budget. Students often ask which district in London, England, is best suited for them. The truth is, there is no single “best” borough; instead, there are specific areas in London that cater perfectly to different student needs. Below is our targeted borough-area guide tailored for the university student demographic.
Best Boroughs for Budget-Conscious Students
Living in the UK’s capital is expensive, but some London boroughs offer fantastic value for money without sacrificing safety or convenience.
1. Newham (Stratford)
Located in East London, Newham has become a massive hub for students. The average rent in this area is around £600 to £1,500+. The Stratford area is brilliantly connected by the Central Line, Jubilee Line, and the Elizabeth Line. Students flock here for modern, high-rise student accommodations that offer luxury amenities at a fraction of Zone 1 prices. You also have Westfield Stratford City right on your doorstep for cheap meals and part-time job opportunities.
Accommodation (Monthly Costs)
| Type of accommodation | Rent/Month |
|---|---|
| Shared/Halls | £600–£900 |
| Private Studio | £800–£1,500+ |
2. Lewisham
A fantastic South London option. Lewisham offers heavily reduced rents and excellent DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and National Rail connections, bringing you straight into London Bridge and central hubs quickly. The local street markets also make grocery shopping highly affordable. It costs £500 – £1760+.
Accommodation (Monthly Costs)
| Type of accommodation | Rent/Month |
|---|---|
| Shared houses | £500 – £800+ |
| Private Halls | £1028–£1160 |
| Studios | £1496-£1760+ |
Pro Student Tips for Budgeting:
One of the highest hidden costs for students renting privately in the UK is utility bills (gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi). Especially during winter, energy prices can skyrocket. If you want to strictly control your budget, consider using housing platforms like uhomes.com. Almost all the student accommodation options listed on uhomes.com across the various London boroughs come with utility bills fully included in your rent. This all-inclusive approach ensures you will never face unexpected charges, allowing you to enjoy your London life stress-free.
Best Boroughs near Major Universities
If your priority is rolling out of bed and walking straight into your lecture hall, you will need to look at the inner London boroughs that surround the major academic institutions. Camden and Southwark are two of the safest boroughs in London, both close to major universities.
1. Camden
As discussed, the southern parts of Camden are an absolutely vibrant student and artistic centre. It ranges from £725 to £1,000+ per month per bedroom for students. It is the perfect borough near UNI. You will pay a premium for rent here, but you will save entirely on transport costs and be surrounded by historic libraries and student pubs.
2. Southwark
The rent in Southwark is around £216 to over £600 per week. The area seamlessly blends historic London charm with modern university living.
Find Your Home with uhomes.com in the Right London Borough
Navigating all 32 London boroughs, analysing postcodes, and negotiating rent contracts can be an overwhelming process, especially if you are an international student trying to secure a room from overseas.
You don’t have to do it alone. If you are struggling to find the perfect student housing in the right district in London, let the experts help you. Head over to uhomes.com to explore verified, high-quality properties across all regions of London. Our dedicated team can match you with accommodations that perfectly fit your budget, university location and lifestyle. With our properties, which include utility bills, you can lock in your living costs early. Contact uhomes.com’s consultants today, and let us help you find your dream home in the capital!
Conclusion
Understanding the list of London boroughs is your first step to navigating this magnificent city. From the bustling streets of the inner London boroughs to the peaceful parks of the outer London boroughs, each district offers a unique experience. By keeping this borough area guide handy, you can easily map out your next move, find the right postcodes, and confidently choose the perfect area in London to call home.
FAQ
What is considered Central London?
Central London is considered the innermost part of the capital, encompassing the City of London, the City of Westminster, and the central areas of surrounding boroughs. It is not an official borough itself, but rather the commercial, historical, and cultural core of the city. Central London is generally defined by the area falling within the London Underground’s Zone 1.
Is Camden in Central London?
Yes, the southern part of Camden (including areas like Holborn, Bloomsbury, and Fitzrovia) is strictly considered Central London, falling into Zone 1. However, its northern areas, such as Hampstead, are typically classified as North London. Many university students study in the Central London portion of Camden, as it houses major institutions like University College London (UCL).
What are London travel Zones?
London travel Zones are a fare system used by public transport services to determine the cost of travel based on distance from central London. The city is divided into Zones 1 to 9, with Zone 1 covering central areas like Westminster and the City of London, and higher-numbered zones extending դեպի the suburbs. Travel costs increase when crossing multiple zones, and this system applies to services such as the Underground, Overground, and most National Rail routes within Greater London.
How many cities are in London?
There are two official cities within the Greater London boundary. It includes the City of London and the City of Westminster. The City of London (often referred to as the Square Mile) is the historic and financial heart of the UK. It operates under a unique local government called the City of London Corporation and is not classified as a standard borough.
The City of Westminster, on the other hand, is one of the 32 London boroughs and holds official city status granted by the monarch. It houses iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.
What are the richest boroughs in London?
The richest boroughs in London include Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster (especially areas like Mayfair and Belgravia), and parts of Camden and Hammersmith & Fulham. These London’s richest areas have the highest property values, household incomes, and concentrations of luxury amenities. These locations are known for high-end real estate, proximity to central landmarks, and strong demand from affluent residents and international buyers.
What are the most dangerous boroughs in London?
Based on recent crime data, the most dangerous boroughs include Westminster, Camden, and Lambeth, which often rank higher in total crime due to dense populations and heavy tourist activity. At the same time, areas like Croydon and Tower Hamlets may also show elevated crime statistics in specific categories. However, crime levels vary by neighbourhood, and most parts of London remain safe with standard precautions. Remember to check the most dangerous areas in London before you rent, try to avoid them and keep your study life in the city safe and secure.
