Living in London as a student is one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences that you could possibly have. The Big Smoke has something for everyone, with its mixture of cultures, its endless array of food and nightlife choices, events, and public transport options.
Student accommodation in London is abundant too, with many varieties on offer. Whether it be student accommodation in East London’s regenerated areas, or something super swish in fancy King’s Cross, there’s no end to the accommodation options.
The city is vast, and each area has its own special features and personality. That can make choosing where to live a little daunting. Don’t worry, we’re here to put a spotlight on the best student areas in London.
North London
Camden
There are plenty of places to eat out, whether it be a fancy restaurant or budget bites at the famous Camden Market. The Market has food stalls and free samples on offer, but you can also get hold of great deals on vintage clothes, arts and crafts, and antiques.
There are loads of music and theatre events to be enjoyed in this bustling area, we recommend checking out The Roundhouse, one of Camden’s top venues.
Not only that, Camden is set in a prime location, with great transport links, and the Northern Line being just 10 minutes away from the delights of the city centre. Its location also makes it an ideal place to live in London for students at King’s College, SOAS, University College London and the London School of Economics.
It’s also a great place to live if you want to explore nearby trendy areas of Dalston, Hoxton and Homerton. Regent’s Park is also within walking distance if you fancy having a picnic with uni friends on a sunny spring day.
If you live in North London, you’ll also get to enjoy the spectacular Notting Hill Carnival every year!
East London
Hackney
Hackney’s full of creative arts students, and the whole area is undergoing an exciting process of regeneration, which has led to it developing an interesting, cool vibe.
In fact, the University Arts of London’s London College of Fashion will be setting up camp in the Olympic Park this year, so if you want to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s hot and what’s not, Hackney’s the place to be.
You’ll be surrounded by the creme-de-la-creme of up and coming talent when you choose to study and live in student accommodation in East London’s Hackney, and you’ll be able to participate in fun activities and events going on in the surrounding areas, such as wall climbing, canoeing, and axe throwing!
You'll also take advantage of canal walks lined with gorgeous waterfront bars and restaurants, as well as shops, studio spaces and cool initiatives like the Library of Things, where you can borrow just about anything you may need at a day rate.
Get in some retail therapy after a long day of studying at nearby Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre, just 15 mins walking distance from our Novel Hackney Wick student accommodation in East London.
Excellent transport links at Wick Park train station and Stratford International make getting to other parts of London easy, although practically everything you’ll need is in the area.
South London
Brixton
This is one of the best student areas in London thanks to its thriving community, packed with independent shops and brilliant nightlife.
There’s always something to do.
From small live music venues to epic clubs, Brixton has something for all tastes. Jazz, folk, pop, rock – it’s all on the menu here, alongside an endless selection of live music events and some of London’s best clubs like Phonox.
Try out Barrio Brixton for Latin cocktails, samba dancers and DJs, or catch a set from a world-class DJ at Electric Brixton.
For a quieter plan, check out the latest blockbuster at the Ritzy Picturehouse.
Some of the best (and affordable) restaurants and bars in London are to be found in Brixton Village, where you will come across every imaginable cuisine.
When it comes to green, open spaces, Brixton doesn’t disappoint. Brockwell Park makes the perfect setting for a chilled Sunday afternoon hanging out with uni friends.
Brixton is perfect for students at King’s College, University College London, SOAS and the London School of Economics.
West London
Hammersmith
Thanks to its prime location, it’s the perfect place to live and study in London if you’re going to Imperial College, the University of Roehampton, University College London, SOAS and the University of Westminster.
The area is full of young people, as it’s hugely popular with students and young professionals. That makes it vibrant and exciting, full of shopping opportunities, bars, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
Connected by three tube lines – Hammersmith & City, District and Piccadilly – public transport makes getting around the city a piece of cake.
Central London
King’s Cross
It's where magical students traverse the walls of Platform 9 and ¾ to jump aboard the Hogwarts express. Try it for yourself, and make sure you get the almost obligatory picture for your Instagram!
It’s not all about the Potter saga, though. King’s Cross has long been one of the best student areas in London, as it’s a bustling and cosmopolitan part of the city.
There are tons of places to eat, drink and play. In fact, it’s the hub for famous pubs and clubs, and you’ll likely come across countless celebrities during your time as a student here. Check out the Sadlers Wells Theatre, and iconic London nightclubs like Scala and Big Chill Bar.
You can easily hop on to the Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria lines to get across the city. That takes the sting out of the commute to university – King’s Cross close to the British Library, and within 20 minutes of UCL, City University, SOAS, University of Westminster and King’s College.
Or if you fancy a quick trip overseas between exam periods, King’s Cross is where the Eurostar sets off for France.
As you can see, there are lots of options for living in the UK’s capital. If you want to have the best student experience possible, check out our Wick Park student accommodation in East London – your future self will thank you for it!