Student accommodation in London
Are you an international student who is going to start your academic journey in London? Student accommodation in UK vary, and Casita is here to provide you with multiple accommodation options and student rooms near London’s top universities, such as the University of London and University College London (UCL).
At Casita, we proudly have 24/7 service, thanks to our dedicated accommodation expert team. We also offer many flexible booking options to make it easy for you to find your ideal home in the capital city of England.
About London
London is a very popular destination amongst international students, with 33.9% of the international student population in England and Wales residing there. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), international students make up 39% of undergraduate students, 52% of postgraduate students, and 53% of researchers in London.
The proportion of international students in London has been increasing steadily over the past few years due to a number of factors, including the growing reputation of London's universities, the increasing globalisation of higher education, and the UK government's policy of encouraging international students to study in the UK.
London is well-known for providing high-quality education through its prestigious universities, like Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), University of the Arts London and the London School of Economics.
Popular Student Accommodation Areas in London
London is divided into nine concentric zones, with Zone 1 being the city centre and Zone 9 being the outermost zone. The zones are used to determine the cost of public transportation fares. The further you travel from the city centre, the higher the fare.
Popular London zones amongst university students are Zones 1, 2 and 3. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for a perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.
Zone 1
Zone 1 is a vibrant student area in London, and purpose-built accommodation here would cost around £350-£550/week.
Students living in London Zone 1 will be near UCL, the University of London, QMUL and King's College London (KCL).
Student studios in London near Zone 1 include iQ Shoreditch.
Zone 2
Zone 2 is a well-known student area in London, and students living in purpose-built accommodation here would pay approximately £200-£325/week.
Nearby universities in Zone 2 include Goldsmiths University, London Metropolitan University, University of Greenwich, Kingston University, St George's University, and University of London.
Student apartments in London near Zone 2 include Belsize House and iQ Highbury.
Zone 3
Zone 3 is widely known as an ideal student area. Students living in London Zone 3 PBSAs would pay around £220-£295/week.
This Zone includes Brunel University London, University of West London, St Mary's University Twickenham, Kingston University Kingston Hill Campus, Royal Holloway, University of London, Queen Mary University of London Stratford Campus, and University of East London.
Affordable student housing options in London near Zone 3 include Station Court Unite and House Shares - Flexible Tenancies.
Less Popular Yet Student-Recommended Areas Near Universities in London
Peckham: A vibrant district in South London known for its artistic scene and diverse community. Peckham is suitable for Goldsmiths students, the University of London, and the University of the Arts London.
Student Accommodation in London near Peckham:
Kensington: A neighbourhood offers plenty of cultural attractions and shopping destinations. Kensington is suitable for students of Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art.
Student Apartments in London near Kensington:
- Brompton RoadWalthamstow: A lively neighborhood in East London that is known for its green spaces and local markets. This neighbourhood is suitable for students of the University of East London and the London Metropolitan University.
Student Rooms in London near Walthamstow:
Tottenham: An area in North London with plenty of residential and commercial spaces. This area is suitable for students of Middlesex University and University College London.
Student Halls in London near Tottenham:
Islington: A central district in London known for its cultural venues. This area is perfect for students of the City, University of London, and the London School of Economics.
Student Studios in London near Islington:
Best Recommended Student Accommodation in London
London has a vast choice of student room options, and students can explore different zones in London that are in proximity to their colleges and budgets.
The best recommended student housing options in London, which provide almost every room type, are:
Top-rated student housing in London among students:
Cheap and best student accommodation options with student-friendly budgets in London:
3. Short-term student flats in London:
London Student accommodation options near the City Centre:
- Rathbone Place - Flexible Tenancies 15 mins walk to Central London
- AES Euston 13 min cycling to Central London
- iQ Bankside 11 min cycling to Central London
- iQ Paris Gardens 9 min cycling to Central London
- Kirby Street Residence - Flexible Tenancies 14 min cycling to Central London
- Britannia South Bank - Flexible Tenancies 11 min cycling to Central London
Student Life in London
Being a student in London means never running out of things to do. The city has numerous museums like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum, perfect for a day of exploration (and they’re free!). If you have a passion for art, you can enjoy the Tate Modern or the National Gallery and explore masterpieces from around the world. Other than the culture, London’s café scene, markets, and beautiful parks and green areas make it easy to find a favorite study spot or a place to relax.
Why Parents Trust Casita for Student Housing in London
Finding the right student accommodation isn’t just about safety. It’s about making sure students feel comfortable and supported. Among the several reasons and Things Parents Should Know About Casita, here are a few more reasons why parents trust Casita:
Safe & Secure Housing: At Casita, we provide student accommodation options with 24/7 security, CCTV, and secure access to keep students safe.
Trusted & Verified Properties – Our student houses are well-rated to ensure student satisfaction.
Close to Universities & Services – Casita provides student rooms with easy commutes to London’s universities.
Study Spaces – We provide quiet study spaces for better focus.
Communal areas – Casita offers plenty of student halls with social areas and communal spaces.
On-site Teams: An on-site staff is available to support students with any issues that may arise.
24/7 Support for Students & Parents – Our dedicated multilingual team is always available to assist students and parents.
At Casita, we do more than provide housing; we help students feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Check Casita.com: Expectations vs. Reality.
Cost of Living in London for Students
The cost of living in London varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, apart from your London student accommodation rent, there are other expenses which can not be ignored. We have suggestions to help you save money while living in London as a student:
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Item | Average Cost per week |
Rent (with bills) | £600–£850 |
Groceries | £100–£150 |
Transport (student pass) | £45 |
Eating out | £10–£15 per meal |
Gym membership | £20–£30 |
Universities in London
The United Kingdom, and London, is known for its several prestigious universities, and some of the Safest UK Universities exist in London:
University College London (UCL)
Ranked among the Top 10 universities worldwide.
A member of the Russell Group, known for research excellence.
Popular courses: Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Student Flats in London near UCL:
AXO Oxford Circus
King’s College London (KCL)
Ranked in the UK Top 20 and globally recognised for Health Sciences and Law.
Strong in research, with a focus on global issues.
Popular courses: Medicine, Law, Business, and International Relations.
Student halls in London near KCL:
Imperial College London
Ranked among the Top 10 universities in the world.
It specialises in science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM).
A hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Affordable student accommodation in London near Imperial College London:
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
One of the world’s leading universities for Social Sciences.
Ranked in the Top 5 globally for Economics and Politics.
Popular courses: Economics, Politics, International Relations, and Law.
Private student housing in London near LSE:
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
QMUL is a Russell Group university that has a strong focus on Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
The university is known for its diverse student community and high graduate employability.
Popular courses: Dentistry, Computer Science, Business, and Law.
Student housing options in London near QMUL:
Part-Time Jobs & Work Opportunities in London for Students
London offers a wide range of part-time jobs for students, especially in retail, hospitality, and customer service. International students on a Tier 4 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
As a global business hub, London is home to major companies in finance, tech, media, and healthcare, providing excellent career prospects. You can also check StudentJob UK and Indeed for more info.
Common part-time jobs for students:
Retail & Hospitality: Jobs in shops, cafes, and restaurants with flexible shifts.
On-Campus Jobs: Work as a student ambassador, library assistant, or in admin roles.
Supermarkets & Delivery: Roles at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo.
Tutoring & Freelancing: Earn through online tutoring, writing, or graphic design.
Call Centres & Customer Service: Many companies offer student-friendly part-time jobs.
Transportation in London
Train in London
Fast & Efficient: Best for reaching universities, business areas, and other cities.
Ideal For: Quick travel within London or trips to other UK cities.
Main Stations: King's Cross, Paddington, Waterloo, and Liverpool Street.
Cost: Tickets start at £5; student railcards give a 1/3 off fares.
National Links: Direct trains to Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond.
Student Tip: A 16-25 Railcard saves money on all train journeys.
Bus in London
Extensive Network: Buses connect all areas, including universities and key landmarks.
Ideal For: Cheap daily travel across London.
Key Provider: Transport for London (TfL) runs most routes.
Cost: A single fare is £1.75, with daily caps for unlimited travel.
Convenient Routes: Frequent services to major attractions, stations, and campuses.
Student Tip: Use an 18+ Oyster card for student discounts.
Tube in London
Fast & Reliable: The London Underground is the quickest way to travel.
Ideal For: Getting around the city quickly, avoiding traffic.
Key Lines: Central, Northern, Piccadilly, and Jubilee lines serve many universities.Cost: Tube fares start at £2.80, with student discounts available.
Coverage: 11 lines connect all parts of London.
Student Tip: Get an Oyster card for easy tap-and-go travel.
Cycling in London
Bike-Friendly: Many cycle lanes and bike rental options.
Ideal For: Low-cost and eco-friendly commuting.
Key Routes: Cycle Superhighways connect key areas.
Bike Hire: Santander Cycles offers pay-as-you-go bikes.
Cost: Rentals start from £1.65 for 30 minutes.
Student Tip: Use cycling apps to find safe routes.
Top Attractions in London for Students
The UK is a rich country. Check Interesting Facts About the UK. The UK's capital, London, offers plenty of destinations to attract students, including museums, art galleries, fun activities and historical landmarks. Here are some must-visit places:
Museums
British Museum – This museum has the Rosetta Stone and ancient artifacts from around the world.
Natural History Museum – It features dinosaur skeletons, a giant blue whale model, and interactive science shows.
Science Museum – This hall is perfect for students interested in technology, space, and medical advancements.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – An amazing attraction for those who are interested in art, design, and fashion.
Art Galleries
Tate Modern – This gallery features collections of contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
National Gallery – This hall houses famous paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci.
Dulwich Picture Gallery – This one is the UK’s first purpose-built public art gallery.
Landmarks & Attractions
Tower of London – This historic fortress is home to the Crown Jewels.
Westminster Abbey – This Iconic church is where British monarchs are crowned.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – One of the most outstanding classic London landmarks.
Outdoor & Free Activities
Hyde Park – A great place for a walk, picnic, or boating.
Greenwich Park & Observatory – This place is ideal for those who want to explore London’s stunning views.
Fun & Social Spots
Sky Garden (Free, but needs booking) – Offers panoramic views of the city.
Shakespeare’s Globe (£5 for standing tickets) – This hall is amazing for those passionate about drama, where they can attend plays in a historic setting.
Borough Market – One of London’s best food markets.
