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As a student, one of the most important factors to consider is whereabouts you’re going to call home for the next few years. The best student accommodation depends on a number of factors, such as cost, location and nightlife. With so many universities in London to choose from, how do you choose the very best student housing location for you?
Here, we discuss the best student accommodation locations in London, based upon factors such as cost, location and travel links to the city centre. We also explore the benefits of using a bill-splitting service if your rent agreement doesn’t include bill costs.
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What are the best Student Locations in London?
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Kings Cross
Find out more about student living in Kings Cross, from rental prices to abundant travel links.
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Uxbridge
Looking for somewhere on the outskirts of London? Uxbridge is a more remote locations with plenty of benefits for university students.
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Camden
Famous for more than just its markets, Camden is a great place for students to live, as it is situated in close proximity to a number of London universities.
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Chelsea
With scenic views and various restaurants and bars to explore, Chelsea is perfect for students with a little extra budget to spare.
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Cowley
Adding a bit of countryside without compromising close links to the city centre, Cowley is perfect for students who want a quieter life.
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Kings Cross
- How Can Split the Bills Help?
What are the best Student Locations in London?
Kings Cross
As the heart of transport in London, Kings Cross is a great place to settle down for the next few years of student life. Not only do you have close access to the station, but the underground is right next door, allowing you to reach any university in the city easily. Kings Cross also has great student culture, and is surrounded by plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.
Cost
Like all areas in London, the price of student accommodation in Kings Cross can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and how many people you wish to live with. Before searching for accommodation, try and work out a realistic budget and decide whether you want to pay monthly or weekly. Find out how you can manage your bills when they aren’t included in your rent by using our services.
Are bills not included in your rent price?
Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!
- Choose from our energy packages, superfast broadband, water and a TV licence.
- Pay the same fixed amount every month and don’t worry about bills!
- Avoid arguments by everyone paying the same share.
- We set up the utilities for your house – so sit back, and relax!
- Less time worrying about bills = more time to enjoy being a student!
Types of Accommodation
Student halls are a common first choice, especially for first year students. They’re usually cheaper, are located close to the university and allow new students to get connected with their peers. However, there are plenty of other accommodation options for anyone who wants a more independent experience. Kings Cross has lots of apartments, both private and student-only, that can suit your needs. You can also opt for a house share if you are comfortable with strangers. UniHomes has plenty of options that suit your budget and preferences.
Other Factors to Consider
Once you’ve established your budget and how much you intend to spend on rent and utilities, you should consider other factors that make a location a prime hotspot. Local amenities, travel links and how many people you want to live with can all play a part. Kings Cross is great for transport – there’s no doubt about that. Kings Cross has links to various restaurants and shops, so there’s always something to do.
Uxbridge
Located in Zone 6 of London’s transport map, Uxbridge takes students away from the hectic bustle of the city centre. However, it is one of London’s busiest outer suburbs, combining tranquillity with an active atmosphere. Although it seems far away from the city centre, it has great transport links, and students can still enjoy everything that university life has to offer.
Cost
You may find that student housing in Uxbridge is a lot cheaper than accommodation in the centre. This is because the commute is longer, but if it saves you money, then it really is a no-brainer for some students. If you’re worried about both rental prices and utility bills, Split the Bills can help. However, if you rent with UniHomes, all bills are included in your rental price. You can view the current student accommodation options in Uxbridge on UniHomes here.
Types of Accommodation
Although Brunel university is right on the doorstep in Uxbridge, they don’t offer student halls for first year students. Luckily, there are other cheap options available. Renting a larger property that houses up to six people could be a great option for students who don’t mind getting to know new people and who want to save money. If you’re considering a larger house in Uxbridge, check out this modern four-bedroom home, complete with a spacious garden.
Other Factors to Consider
No one wants a long commute; Uxbridge is located at the end of the metropolitan line, so if you’re looking for an easy route into the centre, then the Underground is the way to go. Night buses also run if you’re looking to get home easy from a heavy night out.
To find out more about student life in Uxbridge, you can read the full guide here.
Camden
As one of the most popular, bustling tourist attractions in London, Camden is a desirable place to live amongst students, especially those that aren’t from the London area originally. It has easily accessible transport links and it is only a short walk away from Kings Cross station. You also have the legendary Camden Market on your doorstep.
Cost
Renting in London is never easy, as it is the 6th most expensive city to rent in the world. Camden is right in the heart of London, so rental prices may be higher than locations on the outskirts. However, there are plenty of options for students on a budget. A room in shared accommodation in Camden costs around £210 a week, rising to £260 in private rented accommodation. Other factors can affect cost too, such as how many people you share with. Worried about paying your utility bills at university? Split The Bills can help.
Types of Accommodation
Regents University and SOAS University of London are both in close proximity to Camden, so students will be looking for accommodation close to their lecture halls. The most popular option is student halls, especially for freshers. It’s a great way to get to know your classmates and get a great first impression of university life. There are also shared houses and converted buildings if you’re in second year or you’d like more independence. UniHomes offer a range of accommodation options in Camden that you can browse here.
Other Factors to Consider
As well as your rent and bills, you will need consider other spending habits if you are going to move to Camden. Weekly and monthly shopping can be quite expensive if you don’t budget. It is also worth considering moving closer to your university campus in order to save money on travel expenses.
You can find out more about student housing in Camden here.
Chelsea
Just because it is known for its lavish reality TV lifestyle doesn’t mean that Chelsea can’t be the perfect option for student living. Located on the River Thames and offering gorgeous scenery, Chelsea is perfect for students who are looking for a more scenic university experience.
Cost
Because of its premium location, student accommodation rental prices tend to be a little higher than other districts and boroughs in and around London. Prices can range up to £250 per week per person, which isn’t attainable for some. However, if you have your heart set on Chelsea, looking for student housing with a large group of people could save you plenty of money. Renting in Chelsea can be expensive, but there are ways that you can save money on your utility bills.
Types of Accommodation
Budgeting is key when choosing the very best student accommodation in Chelsea. Student halls are a great option to get the most out of your first year at university, but there are other cheaper options available. Most student housing in Chelsea provides gardens for summer BBQ’s, so it’s worth considering if you love to entertain. However, always bear in mind that renting with a larger group of people is often cheaper. You can find more Chelsea student accommodation on UniHomes here.
Other Factors to Consider
Once you’ve chosen your perfect property type and have your budget in mind, you should consider what amenities you need to be in close proximity to. You should also consider how easy it is to get to the university that you study at. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and quirky bars in Chelsea, particularly on Kings Road. Although Chelsea isn’t the cheapest area of London to live, it has plenty of places to create a great university experience.
Read our full guide to choosing Chelsea accommodation here.
Cowley
One of the most idyllic suburbs of London, Cowley is located near Uxbridge and combines the tranquil life of the country without compromising an easy commute to the city. It has everything a student needs, from easy transport links to various universities to plenty of shops and places to eat. It’s an idyllic place to live, and provides a quieter atmosphere when compared to the centre.
Cost
To rent student housing in Cowley, it can cost between £125-150 per person per week. This isn’t uncommon for properties in London, but you have the benefits of a quieter living space. This pricing can vary, depending on how many people to choose to live with the type of accommodation you’re looking for. Additional features such as private parking, location and an en-suite can all affect pricing.
Types of Accommodation
After the novelty of student halls wears off, many people look towards an apartment or house to share with friends. Student housing is perfect for anyone who wants to live with a large group of people and save more money, whereas apartments are ideal if you want to live with a smaller circle. There are various accommodation types available in and around Cowley, which you can find on UniHomes website. If you want to cut down on your rent price, then sharing a five-bedroom house could be the perfect choice for you. Why not check out this spacious home in Cowley, with an en-suite included in one of the rooms and a large garden?
Other Factors to Consider
Although rental prices and accommodation type is important, there are other relevant factors to consider that can influence your decision. There are various shops, bars and restaurants in Cowley that can help to perfect your university experience. Brunel University is right on Cowley’s doorstep, so it’s great for students who don’t wish to travel far.
Find out more about choosing student accommodation in Cowley here.
How Can Split the Bills Help?
Split the Bills help students at various universities in the UK pay their utility bills if they aren’t automatically included in their monthly rent. When you live with other people, it can be difficult to ensure that everyone pays their share of the bills accurately and on time. This can add tension and stress to an already demanding university experience.
With Split the Bills, you can choose a package that suits your preferences, and we will do the rest! No hassle, no fuss, just your utility bills organised and paid on time and evenly amongst you and your housemates. To find out more about the process, please visit us here.
Are bills not included in your rent price?
Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!
- Choose from our energy packages, superfast broadband, water and a TV licence.
- Pay the same fixed amount every month and don’t worry about bills!
- Avoid arguments by everyone paying the same share.
- We set up the utilities for your house – so sit back, and relax!
- Less time worrying about bills = more time to enjoy being a student!
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