Heading to London for your studies? Only a few cities in the world can rival London when it comes to student experience! But to make sure you have the best time, it’s vital you find the right place to live.

On Student.com, you can easily find and compare student accommodation in London – we list thousands of rooms ranging from luxury studios to traditional flat shares, with options in Zone 1 through to Zone 6.

To get started, use the search filters to find properties that match your budget and preferred living arrangements. Have a question? Don’t hesitate to give us a call or message via live chat – one of our booking consultants will be happy to help.

Jump straight into your search at the top of the page, or continue reading to learn more about student life in London, including the best areas for students to live and top tips on booking your accommodation. 

Universities in London

With a population of roughly 10 million, it’s no surprise that London is home to a long list of universities. In fact, there are currently more than 40 higher education institutions in the city – including several of the world’s best universities – so you won’t be short on options!

Imperial College London 

A regular feature among the top five universities in the world, Imperial College London (Imperial) is a top-level institution that focuses on science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.

The main campus has a great location in South Kensington, sandwiched between two world-famous landmarks in the Natural History Museum and the Royal Albert Hall. It’s home to over 20,000 students, including a large international community.

Secured your place and need somewhere to stay? Check out our range of Imperial accommodation with instant booking!  

University College London

With roots dating back to 1826, University College London (UCL) has a rich history and stands as London’s oldest university. Today, it’s one of the biggest universities in the UK and consistently places among the top 10 universities worldwide.

UCL excels across virtually every field, from medicine and engineering to arts and social sciences. Its main campus is based in the central university district of Bloomsbury, with a second campus to the east of the city in Stratford.

Joining the ranks of London’s biggest university? Find the perfect place to stay with our UCL accommodation! 

King's College London

Another historic and prestigious institution, King’s College London (KCL) has a world-class study offering with key strengths in law, humanities and science. It has a star-studded list of alumni, which includes Nobel laureates, leading academics and pioneering scientists.

KCL has several campuses scattered across Central and South London, from the cultural hub of Covent Garden to the modern business district of London Bridge. It’s home to over 30,000 students, making it the second-biggest university in London.

Looking for the perfect living space? Our KCL accommodation includes lots of properties near all five campuses.

London School of Economics and Political Science

A global leader in the social sciences field, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers top-ranking courses in areas such as business, economics, law, sociology and international relations.

Its single campus has an excellent location right in the heart of London and is home to around 13,000 students. Most of these students – roughly two-thirds – come from outside the UK, so it’s a truly global community.

Need an instant booking? We have a fantastic selection of LSE accommodation in the Holborn area!

Other universities in London

London’s universities don’t stop there. The University of London group (which UCL, KCL and LSE form a part of) spans 17 higher education institutions and includes other leading universities such as Queen Mary University of London, City St George’s, Brunel, Birkbeck and Royal Holloway.

Other universities such as the University of Greenwich, London Metropolitan University, London South Bank University, Kingston University, the University of Westminster and the University of East London are all major institutions with over 10,000 students each.

Things for students to do in London

The list of things for students to do in London is virtually endless. Culture, nightlife, entertainment – the UK capital does it all. There’ll probably still be things you’re yet to tick off by the time you graduate! 

Arts & culture

London’s cultural scene is completely unmatched. The city is home to over 170 museums, with some of the best ones offering free entry being the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the National History Museum.

Is theatre your thing? You can’t do better than the West End! Or if you prefer live music, venues like Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena are nothing short of legendary. London also has several creative districts, including Shoreditch and Camden, which are great for exploring.

History

London’s rich history is there to see at every step. If you’re new to the city, a walk along the Thames Path will lead you past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Or you can take a short detour and witness the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

Must-visit ticketed attractions include the Tower of London – home of the Crown Jewels – and Westminster Abbey, which hosts royal weddings and coronations. For something a bit different, tag along to a walking tour and travel back in time to Jack the Ripper’s London! 

Food & drink

London has one of the world’s most diverse scenes, with many areas famous for specific cuisines. You’ve got Chinatown for authentic dim sum, Harringay for Turkish charcoal grill, Brick Lane for traditional curry houses and Brixton for incredible Caribbean food.

If you can’t decide what you want to eat, head over to the historic Borough Market – this massive food hall is home to some of the best street food in the city and has been serving Londoners since the 12th century! 

Nightlife

You’ll find pubs, bars and other late-night spots open pretty much anywhere in London, but there are a few main hotspots where students gravitate towards after dark. The hipster hub of Shoreditch is a popular choice and is home to top venues like XOYO.

Brixton is another favourite with O2 Academy Brixton great for gigs and Brixton Jamm running regular student nights. Camden has lots of cool pubs and live music venues, while Soho has a host of legendary venues and is known as London's LBGTQ+ capital.

Outdoors

London can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, but green space is never actually that far away. When the sun’s out, crowds flock to Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and the hundreds of other parks dotted around the city.

Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill are two magical spots to watch the sunset over the city’s skyline, while Kew Gardens in southwest London has one of the largest and most diverse collections of plants on the planet.

Best student areas in London

You’ll find students based all over London – many choose to live centrally near the main university campuses, but there are also areas beyond Zone 1 where you can find more affordable accommodation.

King's Cross

One of the most desirable student areas in London, King’s Cross offers unrivalled access to UCL, City St George’s and Birkbeck. It’s also got incredible transport links to the rest of London and the UK with King’s Cross St. Pancras and Euston close by.

There’s a host of things to do in the area and a good supply of student accommodation, mostly in the form of purpose-built residences. And if you ever need a break from your university library, the British Library is right on your doorstep! 

Camden

Bordering King’s Cross to the north, Camden is another popular spot that has long served as one of London’s main student areas. It offers a mix of modern accommodation and older terraced homes converted into flats, so there are lots of options for different budgets.

From the quirks of Camden Market to the peace and quiet of Regent’s Canal, it's also packed with top-class amenities. UCL and London Metropolitan University are nearby, making it especially popular among students from these two institutions.

Bloomsbury

London’s main intellectual hub, Bloomsbury is home to several major universities, including UCL and is also within walking distance of KCL and LSE. Here you’ll find a range of student halls, converted flat shares and swanky student apartments.

You’ve also got the British Museum, tonnes of cool cafes and bookshops for studying and easy access to nearby Soho for bars. Due to its coveted location in the heart of Zone 1, it’s generally one of the more expensive areas for student accommodation in London.

Student cost of living in London

It’s no secret that London has a high cost of living, but with careful planning, you can manage city life as a student. Accommodation is the main expense, with housing costs varying considerably depending on location but typically ranging from £1,000–£1,400 per month.

Other essentials such as travel, food and entertainment are easier to budget and will generally amount to £500–£800 per month for most students. In total, then, you’ll likely need at least £1,500 and potentially as much as £2,200 per month to get by. 

Free things to do in London

The good news is that London is perhaps the best city in the world for free attractions. Most of the city’s top museums offer free admission, including the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, to name just a few.

The Sky Garden is free and offers stunning skyline views, or you can stroll along the South Bank and take in the sights from ground level. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are perfect for sunny days, while Borough Market and Camden Market are ideal for people-watching. 

Student discounts in London

As a student in London, there are a few handy discounts available which can dramatically reduce your living costs. The main one to make use of is the Student Oyster Card, which costs £25 but entitles you to 30% off travel across the Transport for London (TfL) network.

Beyond that, you’ll also want to register with student discount platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans. Once you’re set up, you’ll have access to discounts at dozens of major retailers across London, including student favourites like Nando's, Nike and Dominos.

Public transport in London

London’s public transport system is fantastic and pretty much eliminates the need for a car. However, the scale of the network can be daunting for newcomers, so you’ll want to spend some time familiarising yourself with the different options available. 

Tube

The Tube (or ‘London Underground’) is your go-to for navigating the city. It encompasses over 270 stations and 11 different lines, with services running every few minutes from around 5am through to midnight.

The Night Tube also operates after midnight on select lines, which is useful for getting home after a late night. The beauty of the Tube is that – provided you’re not in the outer boroughs – you'll generally never be more than a few minutes away from a station. 

Bus

London’s iconic buses cover even more mileage than the Tube, with close to 700 routes criss-crossing the city and up to 8,000 buses running daily. They’re especially handy in South London where Underground coverage is more limited.

Night buses are common and essential for late-night travel to areas not served by the Night Tube. These days, London buses only accept cash, so make sure to keep your Oyster card (or any other form of contactless payment) on you! 

Overground

The London Overground system complements the Tube with six lines predominantly serving the outer areas of the city. Key routes for students include the Mildmay and Windrush lines, which provide direct access to popular student areas like Dalston and Shoreditch.

Most Tube maps include Overground lines, making it easy to plan your journey using the most efficient route. The network also uses the same payment system as the Tube, with discounts available with your Student Oyster Card. 

Frequently asked questions

Is London a safe place for students to live?

London is generally safe for students, with crime rates comparable to other major European capitals. The city has extensive CCTV coverage, well-lit streets and regular police patrols, particularly in central areas and around universities. Common sense precautions apply as in any major city to keep yourself safe.

Is there a high demand for student accommodation in London?

London sees an influx of hundreds of thousands of students every year, making the private rental market extremely competitive. The most desirable properties are often booked as early as six months before the start of term, so if you’re looking to move in during August or September, you’ll generally want to start searching no later than spring.

How much does student accommodation in London cost?

London is a huge city with accommodation costs varying significantly depending on the location. A flat share in an outer borough may only cost £200 per week, while a modern studio in Zone 1 could be as much as £600 per week. The student rentals we list in London typically range from £250–£350 per week.

Where are the best areas for students in London?

The stretch of Central London that runs north from Bloomsbury through King’s Cross and into Camden is one of the city’s main student hubs, owing to its proximity to top universities and other amenities. If it’s nightlife you’re looking for or just a fun day out, Shoreditch and Dalston over in East London are two other popular student haunts.

Do I need a visa to study abroad in London?

If you’re coming to study at a university in London from outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll generally need to apply for a student visa. Most London universities have dedicated international offices which can support you with the application process. You can also read more about this here.

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!