Looking for the perfect student accommodation in London? Alphaway can help you find the perfect home away from home. Be it premium ensuite rooms, private studios, or affordable shared rooms, you’ll find it all on Alphaway. Whether you’re moving to London to study at Imperial College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, or any other prestigious university, you’ll find all types of student accommodation in London that fit your needs and is just a few minutes away from your university campus. Enjoy luxurious amenities like study spaces, a gym, coffee bars, a game room, a cinema room, and much more at these London student accommodations! All you have to do is explore, choose, and book the student room you like below.
London is the world’s #1 student city according to QS Best Student Cities 2024 and attracts over 300,000 international students annually. The city is home to some of the world’s best-ranking universities like Imperial College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, and many more. The city houses 18 of the UK’s top 50 universities! The graduate employability rates here exceed 90% at leading universities. The city houses 75% of Fortune 500 companies’ European HQs which gives students massive internship and job opportunities that no other city in the world could offer.
Students from all around the world choose London to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs not only for its career opportunities and top-tier universities but also for its culture and social scene. That’s why London has a rich cultural diversity, with students from over 200 countries studying here. For international students, the UK also offers post-study work visas, allowing 2-3 years of employment after graduation.
Roman Londonium as London was called hundreds of years ago is now a financial capital. It has long been a centre of academic excellence and political power. The city homes houses of parliament and various other buildings of great cultural importance like West End and Tate Modern and 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It also has some of England’s oldest universities like UCL (founded in 1826) and KCL (founded in 1829). It hosts the London Stock Exchange which is 20% of global equity trading.
Climate-wise, London sees all the weather in a year. In winter (December to February) the average temperature is 2-8°C. The daylight hours are short (8 am-4 pm) and there might be rare snow. In spring, (March to May), the average temperature is 8-15°C. This is the perfect time to see cherry blossoms in Kew Gardens. In summer, the average temperature is 15-25°C. Daylight hours are long (5 am-9 pm), and this is the best time to be in London- which is why you’ll find all tourist attractions crowded with tourists. Autumn comes from September to November with average temperatures between 10-18°C. This is the ideal study weather and the right time to see the autumn foliage in Richmond Park.
When it comes to the cost of living, London is quite expensive compared to other cities in the UK. According to Numbeo (2024), London's costs are 34% higher than Manchester and 52% above Birmingham. Here’s a quick comparison of London's cost of living as compared to other major UK cities:
London is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. It is a hub of academic excellence and 4 universities that rank in the global top 50 universities (Imperial, UCL, LSE, KCL). It is also home to the #1 art school in the world- the Royal College of Art, a specialist institute. Being a hub of financial, cultural, and academic activities, London also has a lot of career advantages. The average graduate salary from London is about £32,000 which is 20% above the UK average.
Other than top-ranking universities and job opportunities, what makes London a great city to live in is its culture, historic landmarks, and liveliness. The city is home to over 200 free museums (like the British Museum, and Natural History Museum). Being a city that is home to various top-ranking universities and tons of career opportunities, it attracts thousands of students from around the world to study and settle down here eventually. This gives London a multicultural environment like nowhere else in the world.
You will find student accommodation in London that is affordable, premium, and filled with modern amenities. From modern ensuite rooms, and private studios to affordable shared rooms whatever your lifestyle choice, you will find London student accommodation that checks all your boxes. Here are the best student accommodations in London for you:
These are university-managed student accommodation. These are either present on campus or just a short walk away from the university. This type of student accommodation in London offers fully furnished rooms with all modern amenities. Here are the best options of university-managed student accommodation in London:
These are student accommodations managed by private accommodation providers. These are usually more luxurious and premium than the university-managed ones. Offering ensuite, studios, and shared rooms that are fully furnished and well-equipped with all modern amenities, these London student accommodations are much preferred by international students. Here are some of the best options for private student accommodation in London:
These are student flats that are managed by individual homeowners. These can be studio apartments or 1, 2, or 3-bedroom flats. These are usually the most affordable student accommodation London options. Here are some of the best areas to look for cheap student accommodation in London:
These are accommodations that offer students the experience of living like a local. Ideal for international students who want to live in a family environment or for students who like to have their own space. Studio apartments can be a part of a private student accommodation or can be managed by an individual homeowner. Here are the best areas to look for studio apartments and homestays in London:
London is a very safe city for students. But certain areas in London have the most affordable and premium student houses that are also near major university campuses or tube stations making it easy for students to travel to campus and other areas in the city. Here are some of the best areas in London for students to find affordable student accommodations:
Startford offers excellent transport connections via the Elizabeth and Jubilee lines, making it easy to reach central London universities. The area provides relatively affordable rents compared to central London neighbourhoods, along with great amenities like Westfield Shopping Centre.
This area is home to the University of Greenwich and features beautiful riverside scenery that makes for great study spots. This area is popular for its historic charm, weekly markets offering budget-friendly food, and good transport links via the DLR and Thames Clipper River buses.
Wembley is a popular student neighbourhood for its proximity to major tube stations and affordable student housing options. The area also has all major grocery stores and shopping centres just minutes away along with easy access to Wembley Stadium for entertainment and part-time job opportunities.
King’s Cross is in the heart of the city and has excellent connections across the city and beyond. The area may be slightly more expensive than others, but it offers proximity to major universities and the best restaurants and market streets in London.
This area is home to some of the most affordable student accommodation in London. It has many lively neighbourhoods and has great bus connections to central London. You’ll find some of the most unique and creative galleries, street art, and independent cafes in this part of London.
This area offers particularly affordable living for students attending nearby Goldsmiths, University of London. The area has developed a strong student community with budget-friendly pubs and good Overground rail connections to other parts of London.
Ealing provides a more suburban feel while still offering good Central Line access to central London universities. The area features beautiful green spaces, lower rents than Zone 1-2, and all the necessary amenities for student life.
Mile End has grown popular with Queen Mary University students due to its campus proximity and relatively affordable rents. The area offers excellent street food markets and scenic walks along Regent's Canal, along with Central Line and District Line access.
These areas are ideal for students seeking authentic international communities and budget-friendly living. These West London neighbourhoods offer excellent Elizabeth Line connections and some of London's most affordable grocery shopping options.
These neighbourhoods attract students with their trendy, creative atmosphere and a good selection of affordable housing. These neighbouring east London areas provide vibrant nightlife, excellent markets, and convenient transport links via the Overground and Central lines.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable student accommodation in London, a private studio or a rental flat, London has all types of student accommodations to offer. Here are the different types of London student accommodation:
These are university-managed student accommodations. They can be located either on campus or just minutes away from it. University-managed student accommodations in London offer various types of rooms, that are fully furnished and equipped with all modern amenities necessary for students. The biggest benefit of university-owned accommodation is that it lets you stay just minutes away from your lecture halls and enables you to make the most of your university amenities like libraries, cafes, etc. Rent in this type of student accommodation in London is all-inclusive which means all your bills are included in your rent. Being on or near campus, they’re also well-equipped with safety features for students. However, this type of student accommodation in London might be difficult to book a university hall of residence as they run out of availability quite quickly.
These are student accommodations in London managed by private accommodation providers. These offer various types of student rooms like ensuite, studios, and shared rooms.
Private student accommodations in London are fully furnished and offer premium amenities like cinema rooms, coffee lounges, game rooms, study rooms, and more to enable students to make the most of their student lives. They’re also well-equipped with security systems like CCTV cameras, security staff, and card keys to always ensure the safety of students. The rent in these accommodations is all-inclusive just like university-managed accommodations.
These are flats managed by individual house owners. These can be studio apartments, 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom flats. These student accommodations in London enable you to share a room with a friend and are thus one of the most affordable accommodation options. However, the rent in these accommodations is not inclusive, which means students must take care of the bills separately.
These are ideal for students who prefer privacy. They offer an entire space to the student themselves including a bedroom, a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. These are fully furnished and can be either a part of a private student accommodation in London or an independent apartment managed by a house owner.
London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but if budgeted properly, students can live their best lives here. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in London to help you budget your expenses effectively:
Getting around in London is easier, cheaper, and more convenient than you think. Plus, you get to benefit from student discounts and save your money! Here are all the options for transportation in London:
The fastest way to travel, with 11 lines covering all key areas.
Cheaper than the Tube (£1.75 per ride with Hopper fare, allowing unlimited transfers within 1 hour).
Overground: Connects outer boroughs (e.g., Hackney to Stratford).
Santander Cycles: £2 for 30-minute rides (docking stations citywide).
London is home to over 40 world-class universities, offering everything from cutting-edge STEM programs to prestigious arts degrees. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top institutions, organized by category.
Imperial College London is one of the best colleges in the world for programs in science, engineering, medicine, and business. It ranks at #6 in the world according to QS 2024. The college boasts 15 Nobel laureates and has strong industry ties with companies like AstraZeneca and Rolls-Royce providing excellent career opportunities for students. One of the most popular things about the Imperial College London is its White City Campus, which is a hub for startups and tech innovation, offering students unparalleled research opportunities.
King’s College London is the largest healthcare education centre in Europe and is thus known for its programs in humanities, law, and health sciences. Its Strand Campus sits in the heart of London, providing access to the Royal Courts of Justice and global NGOs. KCL also excels in war studies and psychology, with research partnerships spanning 150+ countries.
London School of Economics is ranked #1 in Europe for its programs in social sciences and is widely known for its programs in economics, politics, and international relations. Over 70% of students in LSE are international. This creates a multicultural environment for students and gives them the rare opportunity to create a truly global network. Many graduates from LSE get job opportunities in top consulting firms and other prestigious organizations like the World Bank and the UN.
Known for its law, business, and medical programs, QMUL’s Mile End Campus offers a self-contained student village in East London. The university is particularly strong in comparative literature and dentistry, with clinical placements at Barts Health NHS Trust.
UCL ranks #9 globally (QS 2024) and is celebrated for its interdisciplinary research. From neuroscience to urban planning, UCL encourages cross-department collaboration. Its Bloomsbury location puts students within walking distance of the British Library and West End.
London offers one of the best student experiences in the world. From living near historic places, eating at some of the world's best restaurants, studying in top-ranking universities, and meeting people from all over the world- there's nothing to not like in this city! Here is everything you must know about London to make the most of your student life in London:
There’s no city in the world with more career opportunities for a student than London. London is home to 70% of Fortune 500 companies. In addition, various universities also have tie-ups with top employers in the world giving students precious career opportunities. Here is a breakdown of part-time and full-time jobs and other career opportunities in London for you:
Some of the top industries hiring students in London are finance, tech, and creative. Key employers in these industries include Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Google DeepMind, Meta, BBC, and Burberry. The average pay in these industries in London varies from £18 to £30/hour.
Universities in London provide comprehensive support systems to help international students thrive academically, financially, and emotionally. As an international student, you can benefit from these support systems to make the most of your student life in London. Here's a breakdown of key student support systems in London:
Most universities have dedicated international student advisors for course selection and exam guidance for international students. When you’re joining a uni or are stuck with your exams, always make sure to seek guidance from them. Many universities also offer free English language workshops for students whose first language isn’t English and Study skills courses on time management and research methods. This can help you fit in better in the city and gain a competitive edge in academics.
Various universities in London offer financial support to international students. You will find emergency hardship funds in some universities like UCL (Financial Aid Awards), scholarships for international students, and budgeting workshops to manage the high costs of the city. For scholarships, check your university website and explore scholarships offered to international students specifically.
Step-by-step help for students from required countries (e.g., China, Nigeria).
Be a part of a cultural society to meet new people. Some of the most popular ones are:
These are of immense help when you’re a fresher. These include:
This is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends when you’re an international student in London. These include: