Many students have always dreamed of studying in London, and for a good reason. It has all the makings of a dream city, with high-quality education, a diversified society, and a great experience for international students. Many people find moving to London from another city or country frightening, and if you are one of them, then this London student housing guide will be your best friend. We will discuss the different types of accommodation available in London and the best neighbourhoods and student housing options. So without wasting any time, let's dive in.
When To Start Looking For Student Accommodation?
A basic London housing guide can only start by mentioning when you should start finding a house for yourself! Since your student accommodation plays a huge role in your university experience, we suggest these points:
- Try to book your student home before the last minute to avoid any last-minute trouble, and secure student housing as soon as feasible.
- Booking your London student housing early will get you the most terrific deal because rates may rise depending on availability, and discounts and incentives may also be available.
If you want to learn more about this topic, our blog about why you should book your student accommodation early will greatly help.
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing Accommodation
Regarding student housing, there are numerous factors to consider. Finding your home away from home is critical to having a fun university experience. Here are a few things to consider when looking for student housing in London:
- Value for Money: Analyse your rent and assess whether it justifies all of the amenities listed in the property.
- What is in the area: Take note of whether there are essential services you would regularly require, such as grocery stores, vegetable vendors, and so on.
- Transport Nearby: We recommend that you always choose student housing near reliable transportation services so that you can be confident that if you need or want to go anywhere, you can do so without fear or spending too much money.
You could read our blog if you want more information about things to keep in mind when choosing student accommodations.
Types of accommodations for students
There are multiple types of student accommodations to choose from that are available in London, currently called Purpose Built Student Accommodations (PBSA) which cost around £105/week to £3094/week. You have entirely furnished rooms, high-speed WiFi, hot water and power 24/7. You also get laundry services, gym facilities, parking spots, and the security of your property! They have a few different room types:
- Studios: Studios are available in single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, living space, kitchen, and bathroom.
- En-suites: En-suites are designed for single occupancy and boast private bathrooms and even kitchen spaces for those who like to enhance their productivity by living independently.
- Non-En-suites: Single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, a shared living space, a shared kitchen, and a shared bathroom.
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Best Neighbourhoods In London
When looking for student housing in London, there are several areas to select from. This London housing guide is designed to help you with that! Here are a handful of London's top neighbourhoods to reside in:
Central London
London City Center, often known as Central London, offers a one-of-a-kind environment for students. Because it is in the heart of London, students may expect to find a multitude of fascinating locations, leisure sites, and recreational centres. As is typical of downtown London, there are numerous restaurants and cafes. Nearby are several well-known universities, including King's College and UCL.
Richmond
Richmond is one of the oldest areas in the world, stretching back over two millennia. Richmond, a lovely urban area along the Thames's channels, was established following the country's early mediaeval history. The area has an important economic sector and national significance because it is England's commercial, transportation, and cultural trading hub.
Stratford
Stratford is the hub of sports fans, noted for its sports and fan base. Stratford in London is an excellent location for students. Students can find affordable London student housing, including large studios and private flats with the appropriate rent structure. Students can also engage and gain professional experience at Stratford's several universities, including Staffordshire University and Birkbeck University.
Spitalfields
Spitalfields, located in east London, is an old market with multi-ethnic regions for students to live and enjoy. The renovated room now inhibits many established Victorian-era marketplaces, such as Bishop Square and Crispin Place, as part of the Spitalfields revitalisation programme, bringing many reduced shopping stalls of locally created things (clothes, stationery, food).
Furthermore, Spitalfields is well known for its cost-effective PBSAs, which assist students in living comfortably.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is a district in London's East End located in the London Borough of Hackney. Shoreditch has been an important location for the Elizabethan Theatre and a venue for entertainment since the 16th century. Shoreditch is a well-connected neighbourhood that borders popular areas such as Hoxton, Spitalfields, and Northampton Square.
If you want to learn more about the best neighbourhoods in London, check out our blog on the top localities in London.
Top 10 Student Accommodations In London
As an affordable city in the United Kingdom, London provides several student accommodation options near every major university, bus and train station, and famous market. You will be pleased if you choose any of the suggested destinations. This London student housing guide will assist you in your search for the most well-kept and affordable student accommodation alternatives in London.
1. McMillan Student Living
McMillan Student Living is one of London's most popular and luxurious student accommodations, offering students a remarkable experience. McMillan Student Living, located on Creek Road - Greenwich in London, offers a variety of contemporary studios and en-suite rooms with shared utilities.
Amenities: Bike storage, games room, study room, laundry room, and much more.
2. Chapter Kings Cross
In the heart of North London, Chapter Kings Cross student accommodation provides students with a really exceptional experience. It is located in Zone 1, near prominent universities such as University College London (UCL) and Kings College London. It offers various student rooms like studios and en-suites.
Amenities: On-site gym, games area, social spaces, cinema, on-site laundry, and much more!
3. Mannequin House
Mannequin House is a renowned London student accommodation near the Low Maynard Reservoir. It is conveniently positioned, only 30 minutes from King's College London, the University of London, and Waltham Forest College.
Amenities: Flexible payment terms, maintenance team, games room, communal lounge, and more.
4. iQ City
iQ City is the epitome of beautiful student accommodation in London, offering studios and single and double-bedroom en-suite flats. The home is located on Bastwick St, just 4 minutes from Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Liverpool.
Amenities: Free contents insurance, under-bed storage, city centre location, double occupancy, and much more.
5. The North Lodge
North Lodge London student accommodation is one of the greatest student accommodations in London. North Lodge student accommodation, located in Zone 3, houses over 528 students and offers luxurious en-suite rooms close to UCL, the University of the Arts, and SOAS.
Amenities: Vending machine, on-site service team, laundry, outdoor social space, bike storage, and more.
6. Stratford ONE
Stratford ONE is a student accommodation in London that is a 10-minute walk from Central London. The Stratford ONE is located within the Olympic Park, just a stone's throw from Westfield Shopping, which has over 250 businesses and 70 eateries.
Amenities: Outdoor social space, communal study spaces, cinema rooms, contents insurance, and much more.
7. iQ East Court
iQ East Court is a popular student residence in London that is right across the street from the Queen Mary University of London and a 10-minute drive from London Metropolitan University (Aldgate Campus), making everyday commuting easier.
Amenities: 24/7 gym service, cinema rooms, game rooms, lounge, laundry service, and much more.
8. Chapter Old Street
Chapter Old Street is one of London's finest student accommodations, conveniently located in the centre of the lively metropolis of Shoreditch in East London. Chapter Old Street offers a variety of beautiful student accommodations in London. It is a short drive from the city's finest universities, including Coventry University (London Campus) and the City, University of London.
Amenities: Courtyard, TV snug, study spaces, games area, on-site team, and much more.
9. iQ Will Wyatt Court
Will Wyatt Court is a great, freshly renovated student residence in London, close to the busy neighbourhoods of Hoxton and Shoreditch. This student accommodation is an 8-minute commute from major campuses such as the University of London and the University of Liverpool.
Amenities: Outdoor courtyard, TVs in shared kitchens, laundry facilities, secure bicycle storage, and much more.
10. Canvas Walthamstow
Canvas Walthamstow is a well-known student residence in London. Walthamstow is a district in east London near the Waltham Forest borough. It boasts some of the largest en-suite and studio rooms in the area.
Amenities: Gym, 24-hour team, well-being support, roof terrace, on-site and virtual events, and much more.
Adjusting to a new city can be difficult for many, and our blog about adjusting to London can greatly help.
Questions To Ask Before Finalising The Accommodation
This London housing guide has it all. One aspect remains, the questions you should ask before finalising your student housing. Yes, there are a few key questions you should always ask, and they are as follows:
- Security Deposit: Ask about the security fee to be paid to the landlord before moving in.
- Application Fee: Ask what will be the application fee while renting out accommodation.
- Waiting List Charge: Ask if there is a charge to lock your request for an apartment.
- Lease: Ask about the lease and the breakdown.
- Documents: Ask about all the required documents you need to submit before finalising your accommodation.
Moving In Checklist
You may find it challenging and intimidating to select what you need for the next year or more, which is why this London student housing guide exists! Here are a few items to include on your checklist:
- Documents like your passport, licence or official ID, and university documentation.
- Bedroom Items like duvets, your favourite pillow and more.
- Bathroom items like soap or body wash, toothbrush, loofah and more.
- Toiletries like allergy medicines, lotions and more
If you want to know more about all the items you should carry, you can read our blog.
Avoiding Rental Scams/Frauds
Protecting yourself from scams and fraud is critical in many facets of your life. Student housing scams may not appear to be real, but they are. That is why this London student housing guide includes a small list of rental scams and frauds.
- Non-existential rentals: The scammer lists a non-existing/phantom property.
- Hijacked advertisement: The scammer hijacks the posted rental advertisements and poses as the landlord.
- Clickbait Apartments: The landlord attempts to persuade you to sign a lease or pay a deposit for a home other than the one that was listed
If you want to learn more about this topic, our blog on avoiding rental scams will be really useful.
This was the London student housing guide; perhaps you learnt something new. Since you are moving to London for your studies, you will undoubtedly explore the city. Our blog about 40 things to do in London will be a lifeline in that aspect.
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