It is peak season for student rentals. Competition is high, and you might have to think outside the campus to beat the rush. With London’s phenomenal transport network and the insight from our local London teams, Foxtons can find you the perfect home for your studies, your social life and your budget. To start, let’s look at five under-the-radar areas we’d recommend for surprisingly easy access to London’s top five universities.*
*Using the ranking system by QS Top Universities
Why London?
With one of the highest concentrations of universities and higher education in the world, London has more than its fair share of top-ranked institutes. What’s more, the city supports your studies, as you’re in among some of the greatest minds in tech and science, the highest calibre of global businesses and history and art around every corner. When you need a study break, there is always something to do. Alongside iconic sites and fantastic nightlife, you have pretty much every food you crave, every brand you love to shop and every musician on tour will stop through London…
Let's find you a flat
Finding affordable student housing in London can be a challenge – especially now we’re in the busiest season for student lets. The most popular areas, like Waterloo and Camden, are also some of the most expensive. Let’s turn to London’s exceptional transportation network and Foxtons local experts to navigate London’s many neighbourhoods and help you find the vibe, connections and price point you’re looking for.
Here are five under-the-radar areas for student housing near London’s top five universities:
5. If you’re going to Queen Mary University, look in Stratford
Just one stop on the Underground, Stratford is a fantastic location for Queen Mary University students. Living in Stratford, you have world-class sports facilities at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, fashion inspiration at Westfield Stratford City, easy access to Hackney Wick's nightlife, and excellent transport through London and beyond.
Peek into the Stratford lifestyle with our article, Life in East London's new culture hub.
Browse property to rent in Stratford.
Photo: Croydon Boxpark by MattFromLondon | CC BY | Flickr
4. If you’re going to The London School of Economics and Political Science, look in East Croydon
Regeneration is going to be a common denominator in this article, but you'll find that's the way with London property. It's a world city, a city of high investment and frequent change, and if you want to move here, your best bet is an up-and-coming area at just the right stage of regeneration to be full of new ideas and groiwng all the time.
Croydon is a poster child for regeneration - lots of dazzling new rental developments with top-of-the-line amenities, a just re-opened theatre and culture hub - Fairfield Halls, trend-setting Boxpark, museums, parks and more... And of course, the other theme with all our recommendations in this blog, excellent transportation. Besides Croydon's new tram system, trains at East Croydon Station will get you to Clapham Junction in 8 minutes and London Victoria in 18.
Getting to uni: It's a quick Thameslink journey, just three stops from East Croydon Station ( a little over 20 minutes), which will put you on the Strand for both LSE and King's College.
Browse property to rent in East Croydon.
Photo: Elephant and Castle by MattFromLondon | CC BY | Flickr
3. If you’re going to King's College London, look in Elephant & Castle
Elephant and Castle is quite student-centric, you'll be among London College of Communication and Southbank University students too, so you'll have to move fast. However, it's well equipped for the student lifestyle. There is lots of great food and nightlife in reach, and it's especially easy to get around.
Elephant & Castle tube station is well connected, and some of London's most iconic sites are in walking distance. The area gets a lot of regeneration focus, so exciting new additions are coming all the time. It's an ideal area to rent in a new-build development with excellent amenities in the building.
Getting to uni: If you don't want to walk, a 15 minute bus ride will get you to King's College. You could also take the Bakerloo line and have a nice quick walk along the river before your lecture.
Browse property to rent in Elephant & Castle.
2. If you’re going to University College London, look in Wembley Park
Wembley has had a bit of a glow up in recent years with the exciting new Wembley Park neighbourhood, which ushered in the best of food, art, sport, drinks, shopping and entertainment. It's very buzzy around tree-lined Olympic Way, brand-packed London Designer Outlet, and iconic OVO Arena Wembley, so you'll definitely find some like-minds. Not to mention, very fast transport in and around London via the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Overground lines.
Take a sneak peek at Wembley Park's exceptional view from its groundbreaking rental development, Dandi, here: London living on a whole new level.
Getting to uni: Hop on the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park Station, and you'll be at UCL in under 20 minutes.
Browse property to rent in Wembley Park.
1. If you’re going to Imperial College London, look in Walthamstow
This is the longest commute we recommend, but hear us out. Walthamstow is a brilliant and underrated area of North London. It's a welcoming community served by quirky and beloved local businesses, and surrounded by beautiful green spaces from the marshes to the forest. If you've seen any of it on social media, it's probably Gods Own Junkyard, the Walthamstow wonderland of neon light signs and a perfect example of the area's geniune creativity.
Getting to uni: From Blackhorse Road Station or Walthamstow Central Station, you take the Victoria line into central London and then you have your pick of transport to Imperial College. It's a little under 45 minutes, but it makes it possible to study in the heart of the Capital on a budget.
Browse property to rent in Walthamstow.These are just a few of the many great areas for student housing in London. If you're looking for an affordable option that is still close to the city's best universities, register your search on My Foxtons or get in touch with the Foxtons local office near your university. We’re unique at Foxtons, in that all of our Negotiators in our local offices can show you property anywhere around London, not just the local patch, so we can find your perfect home wherever that may be.
You can also search our lets around your university.
Tips for finding affordable student housing in London
• Start your search now. The best student accommodations in London tend to go quickly, so get in touch as you can.
• Consider shared accommodation. This is a great way to save money on rent.
• Consider living outside of central London. There are many great areas for student housing in outer London, that’s why many renters find their homes south of the river, in trendy and exciting neighbourhoods away from the most touristy areas of Central London.
With a little bit of planning, and some help from Foxtons, you can find affordable student housing in London that is close to your university and within your budget.
Your renter syllabus:
Now that you've read all about the hidden gems for student housing in London, you're probably feeling pretty informed. But seeing as you're a student, we know your studies won’t stop there. There's still so much more to learn about London and about renting. So why not check out our other blog articles?
Read about The best area for history majors
Read about The best area for biology majors
Read about The best area for film majors
Browse more Foxtons area guides
