The Best Places to Live in London as a Student

About the author: Hi, I’m Sophie. I’m currently in my final year at Brunel University, studying Creative Writing. You can always find me writing or reading a good book. Hopefully, you enjoy reading my articles and learn something new.

Heading to university in London this year? Well then, hopefully this article found you at the right time. The capital is jam-packed with exciting, vibrant, and quirky spots to live. From the unique streets of Camden in the North West to the famous views in Greenwich in the city’s southern part, there’s bound to be a home to suit your needs.

However, before deciding which London area to live in, it’s important we cover how to choose the right area to live in. I’ve managed to narrow down what factors to consider when choosing the right area for you down to three. Commute, budget and social life.

Considerations when choosing the best areas to live in London as a student

Commute

Your commute to university from the area you choose to live in during the term should play an important role when deciding where to live. Ideally you’d want to live in an area that’s no more than a half-hour walk away, or a forty-five-minute bus/train journey. This is because you’ll be spending plenty of time on campus learning or studying, so travelling a long distance wouldn’t be ideal. Also, living nearby would decrease your chances of being late to lectures by much less.

Budget

Almost every adult at some point fantasises about their dream home to live in, but being a student it’s important that you ground yourself in reality. That’s not to say you can’t live in a nice student accommodation, but that does mean you’re now challenged with finding somewhere to live that you can afford. When looking for the right area to live in, check the rent price and whether bills are included. You definitely do not want to face the threat of eviction because your heart was set on an accommodation out of your budget.

Social life and amenities

So you’ve found a place within a reasonable distance to your university campus, and it’s within your budget. But what does it have to offer you outside of that? Amenities and social life are often neglected factors for students when choosing student accommodation.

For example, are there any study spots nearby like a local café or library? Students ideally should want to be near social hubs such as parks, gyms, and restaurants. Looking for accommodation in an area with a high student population should also be a part of every student's criteria when home searching.

Prices start from: ~£193.15 pppw

Best for: Being in the heart of the independent scene in London.

Student homes in Camden are perfect for students who want to get stuck into London’s independent cultural hub. The neighbourhood is crammed with market stalls selling affordable gems and delicious street-food offerings, and there’s a million bistros to dip into.

The nightlife in the area boasts plenty of live music, a lively atmosphere, and pubs with tasty craft beers – perfect for students. Plus, University College London is just a 10-minute tube journey from Camden Town. All in all, if you’re a creative-type looking to find your crowd, Camden is the way to go.

Search for student homes in Camden.

Prices start from: ~£292 pppw

Best for: A vibrant, energetic and young atmosphere.

As one of London’s liveliest student districts, Brixton is heaving with clusters of university-goers exploring what’s on offer. The urban neighbourhood is home to some of the best bars in London, and its nightlife has something to offer every personality. Plus, Brixton’s market scene hosts an abundance of world food stalls, vintage finds and affordable clothing.

Here, the closest unis include King’s College London and London South Bank University.

Search for student homes in Brixton.

Prices start from: ~£191 pppw

Best for: Its outdoor markets and standout arts & culture scene.

Located in the city’s south near Goldsmiths University, Lewisham is known for its diverse community and food scene. Lewisham also has fast transport links with buses heading as far as Bromley or over to North London. Its train station serves both the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and National Rail, convenient for students commuting from further out.

Search for student homes in Lewisham.

Prices start from: ~£215 pppw

Best for: Discovering London’s culture and breathtaking views.

Student homes in Greenwich are ideal for second- and third-year University of Greenwich students wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of city living. The neighbourhood offers a perfect balance between central London’s bustling atmosphere and the relaxed vibes of residential living.

Greenwich Park can be found in the area, which is famous for its surplus of parkland. With flower gardens, a bandstand and Queen’s House available to explore, students can spend days discovering what’s on offer. Plus, with the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, culture buffs will be right at home.

Search for student homes in Greenwich.

Prices start from: ~£193 pppw

Best for: Nights out and good food.

Packed with edgy bars, quirky clubs and charming restaurants, Shoreditch is full of the essentials for London student life. Art lovers can discover street art, galleries and live performances on every corner, and there’s an endless supply of indie shops to peek into. Plus there’s a bunch of vintage shops, gastropubs, and artisan coffee shops to explore.

This is typically the best place to live in London for students studying at London Metropolitan University, which has a campus situated in this area.

Search student homes in Shoreditch.

Decided where to live as a student in London?

Now you’ve explored some of the best areas for students to live in London, you might have decided where you want to call home next year. If you have, be sure to browse student accommodation in London to find your perfect pad. At UniHomes, properties come with bills included, so that’s one thing you don’t have to sort separately!

Moving to the capital as an international student? Check out this post on finding student accommodation in London as an international student!

This post is part of the UniHomes Content Ambassador programme, where current students across the UK share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. Like these guides? Add UniHomes as a preferred source in Google with just one click by checking the box to see more expert content from our student writers!

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.