Student accommodation in London Zone 1 can be difficult to find when you want to stay close to university without letting rent take over your budget. Prices for student accommodation in central London Zone 1 are around £300-£600 per week, with bills included. The rent is higher than in outer London, especially when you also need to consider room type, facilities, and daily travel.
This guide looks at 10 private student accommodations in London Zone 1 and covers the key details to consider before booking, from rent and room types to facilities and access to university. Each property offers something different, so knowing what to look for can make the search much easier.
Student Accommodation in London Zone 1
Louise House | From £295/week
Scape Bloomsbury | From £645/week
Scape Bloomsbury offers modern student apartment in London Zone 1 with en-suite rooms, twin rooms, studios and private flats, with studios featuring their own kitchenette and bathroom. Students can enjoy a gym, cinema, games room, study areas, communal kitchen and lounge, as well as laundry and bike storage, with bills and Wi-Fi included. Set in Bloomsbury, the student flat is around 6 minutes’ walk from Birkbeck, University of London and SOAS, under 10 minutes from UCL, and about 20 minutes from KCL and LSE, with Russell Square Underground Station just 5 minutes away on foot.
Yugo The Curve | From £442/week
The Curve London offers en-suite rooms in shared flats and self-contained studios, with nine room types available. Students can use a gym, cinema, games room, study spaces, lounges and an on-site supermarket, with bills and Wi-Fi included. Set in Whitechapel, this top-rated student accommodation in London Zone 1 is around 19 minutes by Tube to King’s College London, 20 minutes to UCL and a 27-minute walk to Queen Mary University of London, with Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Shoreditch nearby for food and entertainment.
Don Gratton House | From £296/week
Don Gratton House is a cheap student accommodation in London zone 1 offers fully furnished double en-suite rooms, with shared kitchen, dining and living spaces for six or seven students. Residents also have access to a common room, outdoor seating, laundry and bike storage, with bills and Wi-Fi included. In the heart of Whitechapel, this private student housing is close to Queen Mary University of London, KCL, UCL and LSE, with Aldgate East and Whitechapel stations nearby and Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market just a short walk away.
Yugo Therese House | From £440/week
Therese House, one of the best private student accommodations in London Zone 1, offers en-suite rooms, studios and two-bedroom flats, with larger studios available for dual occupancy. Residents have access to study spaces, a social lounge, games room, laundry and bike storage, with bills and Wi-Fi included. The property is situated in Farringdon, it is next to Queen Mary University of London’s Charterhouse Square Campus, within walking distance of City St George’s, and around 11 minutes by Tube to UCL, with King’s College London, Barbican Centre and Smithfield Market also nearby.
iQ Bloomsbury | From £698/week
iQ Bloomsbury is a stylish student accommodation in Central London Zone 1. The apartment offers modern en-suite rooms, self-contained studios and shared apartments, with all-inclusive bills and Wi-Fi. Residents can also make use of a gym, cinema room, games area, study spaces, reading lounge, private dining room, laundry and courtyard, with 24/7 security and on-site support. Located on Euston Road in Bloomsbury, it is around 5 minutes’ walk from UCL, 4 minutes from the University of London and 12 minutes from SOAS.
Chapter Kings Cross | From £594/week
Chapter Kings Cross offers en-suite rooms and private studios, with bills, Wi-Fi and bi-weekly cleaning included. Residents can use the gym and yoga room, cinema, study spaces, games area, social spaces, courtyard and on-site laundry, with 24/7 support and security. Located On Pentonville Road in the King’s Cross area, it is around 10 minutes by Tube to UCL, 20 minutes by bus to KCL and 12 minutes by bus to City University London, with King’s Cross St Pancras, the British Library, Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard close by.
Scape Shoreditch | From £530/week
Scape Shoreditch provides fully furnished private studios with a private bathroom, kitchenette and double bed. There’s a gym, cinema room, games room, study rooms, lounges, communal kitchen and bar, rooftop terraces, laundry and bills and internet are included. Located in Zone 1, the student apartment is a 10 minutes’ walk from Bayes Business School and City St George’s and up to 20 minutes by Tube to UCL. You’re close to Shoreditch High Street, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street for shopping, culture and entertainment.
iQ Paris Gardens | From £425/week
iQ Paris Gardens is a good option for private student accommodation in London Zone 1, offering shared apartments and spacious studios with bills and Wi-Fi included. On-site facilities include a gym, cinema, karaoke room, study spaces and rooftop terrace, plus laundry and 24/7 security. Set in South Bank, it is a 14-minute walk from London South Bank University and 20 minutes from KCL’s Waterloo Campus, with LSE, Southwark Station, Borough Market and the London Eye nearby.
iQ Bankside | From £499/week
iQ Bankside is a sought-after student residence in London Zone 1 offers self-contained studios with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, with bills and superfast Wi-Fi included. Residents can use a gym, gaming zone, study spaces, lounge, dining area, outdoor courtyard and secure bike storage. Set in Southwark in Zone 1, it is around 14 minutes’ walk from London South Bank University and 15 minutes from KCL’s Waterloo Campus, with Southwark Tube Station about 5 minutes away and Tate Modern, Borough Market and the Shard nearby.
How to Choose the Right Student Accommodation in London Zone 1?
Choosing suitable private student accommodation in London Zone 1 is not only about getting a place in the middle of everything, but also about how close it is to your university, your weekly budget, transport connections, room type, and the amenities you’ll really take advantage of. You should also know the area that you’ll be living in when selecting your student accommodation. Areas like Bloomsbury, South Bank, Westminster, Holborn, Soho, Covent Garden, and Aldgate all have their distinct characters and prices, so it will depend on where you’re studying and how you want to experience your time in London. Below are the factors to consider when you are choosing the right Zone 1 student accommodation in London:
- Budget and Bills: Zone 1 rents are generally higher than other areas of London. Compare weekly rent and check whether utilities, Wi-Fi and other bills are included. If your budget is tighter, consider student accommodation in London Zone 2 for more affordable options.
- Location and Commute: Check the actual journey to your university, including walking, Tube and bus routes. If you are unfamiliar with London’s transport system, our London Travel Zones Guide can help you understand how the different zones work. A well-connected private student accommodation in London Zone 1 can save time and reduce daily travel costs.
- Room and Contract Type: Choose between en-suite rooms, shared apartments and studios based on your budget and privacy needs. Check the contract length, deposit and payment terms before booking. Private student accommodation in London Zone 1 offers more flexible stays than university-managed halls.
- Facilities and Local Area: Look at practical facilities such as Wi-Fi, laundry, study spaces, gyms and common areas. Nearby supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and transport links can also make a difference to daily life.
- Safety and Security: Check features such as secure entry, CCTV and on-site staff. It is also worth checking the surrounding area and reading recent reviews before deciding.
- Compare Before Booking: With uhomes.com, you can browse available Zone 1 properties, check key details and shortlist accommodation that suits your budget, university and preferred way of living.
Conclusion
London Zone 1 puts students close to major universities, transport links, shops and some of the capital’s best-known attractions. While rent is higher than in outer zones, choosing the right location, room type and facilities can make a big difference to your overall living costs and daily routine.
If you are planning to live in central London, uhomes.com offers a range of student accommodation options across Zone 1, helping you find a property that fits your budget, university and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UCL in Zone 1?
Yes, the main campus of University College London is in Bloomsbury, London Zone 1, and nearby stations include Euston, Warren Street, and Goodge Street.
What are the best areas to live in Zone 1 in London?
What is the cheapest student accommodation in London Zone 1?
iQ Paris Gardens is the cheapest student accommodation in London Zone 1, starting from £425 per week.
Which area is Zone 1 in London?
London Zone 1 covers the central part of the city, including areas such as Soho, Covent Garden, Westminster, South Bank, King’s Cross and London Bridge. It is home to many major universities, attractions and transport links, making it a popular choice for students who want to live close to central London.
How much is TfL Zone 1?
A journey within TfL Zone 1 costs £3.10 at peak times and £3.00 off-peak when paying with a contactless card or Oyster.
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2 in London?
The main difference is location and travel cost: Zone 1 covers central London, while Zone 2 surrounds it and includes areas such as Camden, Greenwich and Hammersmith. Living in Zone 2 is usually cheaper, but travelling into Zone 1 can cost more and take longer.
Why do students choose London Zone 1 student accommodation?
Students choose London Zone 1 student accommodation mainly because of its unbeatable central location and convenience. One of the biggest advantages of living in Zone 1 is the easy access to London’s leading universities, such as King’s College London (KCL), University College London (UCL), the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and Imperial College London. Students living in London Zone 1 can benefit from shorter commutes, with many campuses reachable by walking, cycling, or a short tube journey.
Another key benefit of living in Zone 1 is its excellent transport connectivity. With numerous Underground lines, bus routes, and major transport hubs located across central London, students can easily travel to different parts of the city and explore London’s attractions, food markets, cultural venues, and entertainment options during their free time.
However, private London student accommodation in Zone 1 is generally more expensive than housing in outer London areas due to its prime location. Students often pay a premium for Zone 1 accommodation as a trade-off for greater convenience and shorter commutes, making it a popular choice for those who prioritise being close to campus and social life.
How much does private student accommodations in London Zone 1 cost?
Private student accommodation in London Zone 1 generally costs between £300 and £600 per week, with prices varying depending on the location, room type, and facilities. For students looking for more affordable options, uhomes.com offers budget-friendly private student accommodation in London Zone 1 starting from £228 per week. Popular affordable options include:
- Drapery Place: from £228/week
- Quantum Court: from £236/week
- Louise House: from £295/week
- Don Gratton House: from £296/week
- Chapter Old Street: from £297/week
These cheap accommodations in London Zone 1 allow students to enjoy the convenience of living in central London while keeping rental costs more manageable.
Where should I live when studying in London Zone 1?
- Bloomsbury is one of the best areas for students at UCL, as it is located close to the university campus and offers a strong academic atmosphere with libraries, cafés, and green spaces nearby. Popular student accommodation options in this area include iQ Bloomsbury.
- King’s Cross is particularly convenient for UCL students and those who need to travel across London regularly. Chapter King’s Cross is a popular choice for students looking for modern facilities and a central location.
- Holborn is a great option for students at LSE and KCL Strand Campus, offering a short commute to campus and easy access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Students can consider accommodation such as iQ Highbury or other nearby Zone 1 residences.
- Waterloo and South Bank are popular among KCL students, especially those studying at the Waterloo and Strand campuses. Students living here can enjoy riverside views, entertainment venues, and convenient transport links. iQ Paris Gardens is one of the well-known student accommodation choices in this area.
- South Kensington is the best area for students at Imperial College London, with the campus located within walking distance. The area is known for its museums, green spaces, and elegant residential environment, offering a quieter yet highly convenient central London lifestyle.
uhomes.com provides private student accommodation across these London Zone 1 areas, allowing students to compare different properties based on location, room types, prices, and facilities.
What are the best private student accommodations in London Zone 1?
The best private student accommodation options in London Zone 1 include iQ Bloomsbury, Chapter King’s Cross, Moonraker Point, and Scape Shoreditch. These Zone 1 residences are popular among students thanks to their prime central locations, convenient access to leading universities such as UCL, KCL, and City St George’s, University of London. As well as their modern facilities, diverse room options, and easy access to transport links, restaurants, and London’s attractions. Whether students prioritise a shorter commute, a vibrant neighbourhood, or comfortable living spaces, these London Zone 1 student accommodations offer convenient choices for different lifestyles and budgets.
What are the best studio student accommodations in London Zone 1?
The best student studio flats in London Zone 1 include iQ Aldgate, Urbanest Westminster Bridge, Scape Bloomsbury, and iQ City. These student accommodations offer modern studio rooms with private bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and dedicated study spaces, making them ideal for students who prefer more privacy and independent living.
