Location is often the most important factor for students when choosing the perfect property. So, we’ve picked places within 30 minutes of some of London’s biggest universities to show you that you don’t always have to live right next to the university – and pay for the privilege – to enjoy a quick and easy commute.
Where to live if you study at...
London School of Economics, LSE
Brixton
Brixton to LSE in 25 mins*
Located in Zone 2, Brixton has a thriving community of markets and independent stores, as well as lots of affordable bars and restaurants in Brixton Village and the surrounding streets.
Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park to LSE in 20 mins
Finsbury Park in North London has both high street stores and fantastic transport links into central London. It’s not far from Stoke Newington and Clissold Park, but more affordable for students.
Properties to rent in Finsbury Park
Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush to LSE in 23 mins
Westfield London, a number of stations and lots of green spaces make Shepherd’s Bush the perfect place for students to live in west London.
Properties to rent in Shepherd’s Bush
Mile End
Mile End to LSE in 21 mins
Located on the Central line, just a few stops from Whitechapel, living in Mile End London is a great alternative to nearby Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, as the properties are generally cheaper to rent.
Where to live if you study at...
Imperial College
Southfields
Southfields to Imperial College in 27 mins
This mainly residential area may be a bit quiet. But it’s not far from the bars and clubs in Putney and the local pubs are great for an evening – or daytime – pint.
Properties to rent in Southfields
Stockwell
Stockwell to Imperial College in 22 mins
If you’re looking for an area with shops and restaurants close by, then Stockwell isn’t for you. But just down the road is Brixton’s lively centre and you can be at London Bridge in 9 minutes if you jump on the Northern line.
Properties to rent in Stockwell
Ealing Broadway
Ealing Broadway to Imperial College in 33 mins
Ealing offers everything a student would need, from affordable restaurants, to high street stores, to bars. It’s a town centre in its own right, as well as having Central and District underground lines, National Rail services to Paddington and soon, Crossrail too.
Where to live if you study at...
King’s College London
Earlsfield
Earlsfield to King's College in 27 mins
One stop from Wimbledon, close to a number of large supermarkets and Southside Shopping centre in Wandsworth, Earlsfield is well located for all your student needs. South West train services into Waterloo are some of the best transport links in south-west London.
Properties to rent in Earlsfield
Surrey Quays
Surrey Quays to King's College in 30 mins
Quiet, but very, very close to central London, Surrey Quays is made up of mainly modern properties, some of which are waterside. Greenwich to the east and London Bridge to the west ensure there’s always plenty to do when you’re not studying.
Properties to rent in Surrey Quays
Stratford
Stratford to King's College in 26 mins
Stratford is great for students. Modern properties, Westfield Stratford and a myriad of underground and National Rail services offer great convenience, while the more fashionable areas around London Liverpool Street, like Spitalfields and Old Street, are only a few stops away.
Properties to rent in Stratford
Islington
Islington to King's College in 18 mins
Upper Street and the area around Angel Underground Station are great if you enjoy London’s busy nightlife. Affordable independent restaurants mean you don’t have to go far to find student-friendly prices and there are some cool pubs too.
Where to live if you study at...
UCL
Caledonian Road
Only one stop from King’s Cross, Caledonian Road offers a more affordable and student-friendly north London postcode. Along its high road are small supermarkets, cheap cafes and restaurants with cuisines from around the world.
Caledonian Road to UCL in 13 mins
Properties to rent in Caledonian Road
Kilburn
While close to exclusive areas like Maida Vale and St John’s Wood, Kilburn is a more affordable alternative with all the high street stores you’d want, as well as some cool pubs. Overground, Bakerloo and Jubilee line services all ensure you’re not too far from central London and it’s only 13 minutes to Oxford Street from Kilburn Park.
Kilburn to UCL in 21 mins
Brent Cross
There’s plenty going on in Brent Cross following the recent announcement that Brent Cross Shopping Centre will get an upgrade. And situated at the start of the M1, it’s also handy for visiting parents. The popular markets and clubs in Camden are only a 12 minute journey away on the Northern line, which runs for 24 hours at the weekend.
Brent Cross to UCL in 26 mins
Where to live if you study at...
Queen Mary University of London
Stratford
Stratford is great for students. Modern properties, Westfield Stratford and a myriad of underground and National Rail services offer great convenience, while the more fashionable areas around London Liverpool Street, like Spitalfields and Old Street, are only a few stops away.
Stratford to Queen Mary in 12 mins
Properties to rent in Stratford
New Cross
New Cross is a popular student area for those studying at Goldsmiths, but with students from other universities too. There are a number of cool bars and cafes in the neighbourhood, as well as lots more going on in nearby Peckham and Greenwich.
New Cross to Queen Mary in 28 mins
Properties to rent in New Cross
Leyton
Just one stop from Stratford, Leyton offers all the convenience a London student would need, as well as more affordable rents. Wanstead Flats is also close by and very popular with students in the summer months who are looking for somewhere to hang out in the sun.
Leyton to Queen Mary in 15 mins
*All travel times calculated using Citymapper.com
If you're still researching, read our blog on cheapest places to live in London.
