Student Housing Guide: London 2024

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 student 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:

1. Try to book your student home before the last minute to avoid any last-minute trouble, and secure student housing as soon as feasible.

2. 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:

1. Value for Money: Analyse your rent and assess whether it justifies all of the amenities listed in the property.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. Studios: Studios are available in single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, living space, kitchen, and bathroom.

2. 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.

3. Non-En-suites: Single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, a shared living space, a shared kitchen, and a shared bathroom.

Best Neighbourhoods In London

When looking for student housing in London, there are several areas to select from. This London student housing guide is designed to help you with that! Here are a handful of London's top neighbourhoods to reside in:

1. 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. There are many student accommodations in Central London that cater to a diverse set of international students ensuring they have a per their needs.

2. Richmond Upon Thames

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. It also provides some convenient and comfortable student housing in Richmond Upon Thames for students who wish to study in the city for higher studies. Richmond is also an important economic sector and national significance because it is England's commercial, transportation, and cultural trading hub.

3. 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. These Universities have their on-campus accommodation facilities but if you want to consider some off-campus accommodation facilities then amber is there to help you with student accommodation in Stratford near these Universities.

4. 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, it is also known for its cost-effective PBSAs and Spitalfields student housing options which assist students in living comfortably.

5. 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 for student housing in London.

Top Universities In London

1. University of London

QS ranking: 9

The University of London is a federal university that houses 17 colleges that are leaders in their fields. Since 1858, the University of London has had vast experience in distance learning and has touched the lives of thousands of students by providing top-notch degrees all around the world. Today, the University of London is a leader in flexible learning, providing degree programs to more than 45,000 students in 190 countries while also doing ground-breaking research. 

2. Imperial College London

Location: South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2AZ

QS ranking: 6

One of the best business schools in London is Imperial College Business School, which is situated in South Kensington, the city's museum district. With three accreditations, Imperial College frequently achieves top positions in the UK's business school rankings.

3. London School of Economics

Location: Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

QS ranking: 45

An international hub for academic innovation and quality in the social sciences is the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE London). Leading prominent figures frequently come to the institution to offer lectures, attend seminars, and consult with the staff. The academic focus of the school is in the social sciences, and it is well known for studying topics like sociology, accounting, and finance as well as topics like economics, politics, and the law. 

4. Kings College London

The King’s College London, also known as King’s or KCL informally, is a reputed university Located in the world’s most dynamic city, London. King’s College University London is the most preferred college for international students, considering the university's QS rankings, reputation and student life. High-quality teaching, innovation and keen research are highly important at KCL. King’s College University is the largest study centre for education in healthcare in Europe.

5. Queen Mary University of London

QS ranking: 145

As one of the top business universities in London, Queen Mary University of London offers you the chance to hone your analytical, communication, and creative thinking skills while studying vital business processes like accounting, marketing, human resources, and organizational innovation.

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. Mannequin House

Mannequin House is a renowned student accommodation in London near the Low Maynard Reservoir. It has some of the largest en-suite rooms and studio apartments for rent in London. Mannequin House in Walthamstow is located in zone 3. A fantastic location for easy access to all London universities, the West End, and the City. It is conveniently positioned, only 30 minutes from King's College London, the University of London, and Waltham Forest College. The student housing costs £239/week.

Amenities: Flexible payment terms, maintenance team, games room, communal lounge, and more!

2. IQ Sterling Court

iQ Sterling Court is one of the most popular and luxurious student accommodations in London, offering students an outstanding experience. The property, located near the University of Middlesex, provides a variety of contemporary studios and ensuite rooms. This attractive region is home to several popular restaurants and pubs. The district's centre is near the fantastic and historic Wembley Stadium and SSE Arena. And the student housing option costs £215/week.

Amenities: Regular social events, excellent transport links,  vending machines, secure bicycle storage, and more!

3. IQ The Arcade

Enjoy the vibrant student accommodation in London, living at iQ The Arcade, which is located in Zone 2. It houses around 300 students and is about a 10-minute walk from London Metropolitan University. Modern en-suite rooms, communal apartments, and studios are available at the resort. There's a cinema close, Arsenal's stunning Emirates Stadium across the street, and an expanding range of food, drink, and independent shopping options. The cost of student accommodation is £212/week.

Amenities:  Award-winning halls, accessible rooms, 24/7 staff presence, and more!

4. IQ Will Wyatt Court

Will Wyatt Court is a great, freshly renovated student accommodation in London, close to the busy neighbourhoods of Hoxton and Shoreditch. The hotel provides a variety of en-suite rooms for a group of friends to begin an unforgettable experience in the city. That is not the case; significant universities such as the University of London and the University of Liverpool are only an 8-minute drive away from this ideal student housing at the cost of £288/week. The Sistine Chapel London art house, a cinema, and a park are in the neighbourhood.

Amenities: TVs in shared kitchens,  24/7 staff presence, central location, secure bicycle storage, and more!

5. IQ Magenta House

Magenta House in Whitechapel, just a 4-minute walk from Aldgate East Tube, provides a broad choice of apartments and studios for London students. The house is only a 3-minute drive from London Metropolitan University and a 4-minute drive from Queen Mary University, making it an excellent student accommodation in London at the cost of £335/week.

Amenities: Free onsite gym, regular social events, all en suite rooms, onsite laundry, and many more!

6. Vita Student Lewisham Exchange

Vita Lewisham Exchange is one of the most fashionable student accommodation in London. This property, located across the street from the DLR, offers a variety of fully furnished studios and en-suite rooms with breathtaking views of the city skyline. With prominent universities such as the University of Greenwich and Lewisham Southwark College just minutes away, you will save significant time on your daily journey. The student accommodation costs £274/week.

Amenities: Free gym, cycle storage, makers workshop, pop-up golf, under-counter fridge, and more!

7. IQ Highbury

IQ Highbury is a student accommodation in London that is among the best the city offers. The property, located on Rolls Rd in northern London, offers studios and en-suite apartments while being accessible to major central London universities such as the University of London and Fordham University London via a 20-minute tube ride. The cost of this student housing costs £263/week.

Amenities: Laundry facilities, regular social events, social spaces, private dining space, and many more!

8. Shoreditch Residence

Shoreditch Residence is a student accommodation in London. You can select from various fully-furnished and large studios at the resort. The house is a ten-minute walk from the University of Law and a six-minute drive from the University of the Arts, making it a great student accommodation option with a rent of £435/week. The British Museum and Millennium Bridge are close to this accommodation as well.

Amenities: On-site gym, gaming area, mailboxes, screening room, cinema, study areas, and many more!

9. Islington Residence

Islington Residence is an exquisite student accommodation in London that feels like home! This property, which has en-suite and studio rooms, is close to numerous universities, including London Metropolitan University, which is 14 minutes away by foot, and the University of London, which is 17 minutes away by tube, making it an excellent student housing with a rent of £315/week. Caledonian Park, known for its beautiful green scenery, is also near the property.

Amenities: Outdoor terrace, gym, lounge area, study area, communal kitchen, and more!

10. Aldgate Residence

Aldgate Residence is a luxurious student accommodation in London and is historically significant Zone 1. This apartment is close to many universities, including Hult International Business School, which is a 1-minute walk away, and Middlesex University, which is 11 minutes away on foot, making it a great place to live at a simple cost of £370/week. It is close to notable monuments such as the Tower of London, the Whitechapel Gallery, and the world-famous Brick Lane and Old Spitalfields markets.

Amenities: Social lounge, TV and games room, gym, study rooms, and more!

Adjusting to a new city can be difficult for many, and our blog about tips for adjusting to living in London can greatly help.

Questions To Ask Before Finalising The Accommodation

This London student 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:

1. Security Deposit: Ask about the security fee to be paid to the landlord before moving in.

2. Application Fee: Ask what will be the application fee while renting out accommodation.

3. Waiting List Charge: Ask if there is a charge to lock your request for an apartment.

4. Lease: Ask about the lease and the breakdown.

5. 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:

1. Documents like your passport, licence or official ID, and university documentation. 

2. Bedroom Items like duvets, your favourite pillow and more.

3. Bathroom items like soap or body wash, toothbrush, loofah and more.

4. Toiletries like allergy medicines, lotions and more

If you want to know more about the list of items you should carry for a University, 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.

1. Non-existential rentals: The scammer lists a non-existing/phantom property.

2. Hijacked advertisement: The scammer hijacks the posted rental advertisements and poses as the landlord.

3. 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 how to avoid 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.