Top London Areas for Students

Author: Kim Jacobs | Last modified on: March 21st, 2024

According to a recently-published research, the English capital is the world’s top city for university students. That is because the Big Smoke is home to an impressive amount of internationally renowned higher education institutions, including Imperial College London and University College London. Plus, it offers students high quality of life and access to excellent career opportunities. And let’s not forget that London is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world which definitely wins it yet another point. So, if you are planning to continue your education, you should find yourself a low-cost student removal service in London which is easily provided by our firm – Get Man and Van, and head straight to the mecca of universities.

World-class universities: London is home to some of the best universities in the world, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, King’s College and Imperial College London. These institutions are known for their academic excellence and research opportunities.

But before you start packing your belongings, you should decide where in London to move to. Not all areas in the capital are student-friendly. You should try to find a neighbourhood that has:

  • Affordable accommodation options
  • Low-crime rates
  • A strategic location
  • A decent entertainment and nightlife scene
  • A young, active and diverse local population
  • Great transport links and proximity to key universities

Moreover, considering the city rent prices can significantly affect your decision, especially when looking for student accommodation. Areas with good transport links like those connected by the Victoria or Central Line can offer easy access to universities and central London without the burden of inner-city rent prices. Those factors were considered when we compiled the list of best student areas – London.

Time to see which London areas best match this description.

South East London, and especially areas like Greenwich and New Cross, are favored by students for their affordability and lively atmosphere. These neighborhoods boast excellent transport links to the rest of London, including national rail services and the DLR, making them very convenient for students at University College London or the London School of Economics.

Shoreditch and Hoxton

In East London, areas like Shoreditch and Hoxton are popular among students from the London College of Fashion and the City University of London due to their excellent transport links, including the Overground and the Central Line. These neighborhoods are known for their street art, independent galleries, and vibrant street food markets, offering a taste of London’s eclectic culture.

Woolwich, Greenwich

This London area is quite popular among university students in the English capital because it is well-served by public transport and the average rent cost tends to be quite low. It will take you about half an hour to get to the city centre.

The only downside of living in Woolwich is that there are not many good bars and restaurants in the area. Still, some students who are looking to live in a more quiet and peaceful place actually appreciate that about this neighbourhood. The area is just a short walk from beautiful green spaces, offering a nice escape from the bustling city life.

Leytonstone, Waltham Forest

Compared to Woolwich, Leytonstone is an even quieter area. That is because it is suburban in character. Nevertheless, the trip to central London is even shorter – about 25 minutes. As for rent levels – they are similar to those in Woolwich. This part of the capital, situated in North East London, is perfect for students who value a balance between accessibility and a calm living environment.

King’s Cross

King’s Cross is another area that deserves a mention for those looking to live in London. Known for its active atmosphere, it is just a few stops away on the Northern Line from many of the city’s top universities, including King’s College London. The area around King’s Cross offers a wealth of independent shops, cafes, and green spaces like Regent’s Park, making it an attractive spot for students seeking a dynamic urban experience.

Bow

Those of you who prefer to live even closer to the city centre and if you enjoy going out and partying with their friends should probably pick a place like Bow. The area is located not far from Queen Mary University of London and Loughborough University London and Queen Mary University of London and it is surrounded by wonderful parks. There are not many bars and clubs in the neighbourhood but there are plenty which are set not far from it. So, you will be able to keep the party going when you feel like it and whenever you need some quiet time to study and recharge you will not be disturbed by loud music coming from a nearby bar, for example. Living in Bow is simply a win-win if you are a university student in London. Bow also benefits from being within walking distance to some of the most iconic London nightclubs, providing endless options for weekend outings.

Deptford, Lewisham

Deptford is one of the safest districts in the UK capital and it is ideal for students who have just moved into the Big Smoke. Well, rental prices here are slightly more expensive compared to those in the other areas on this list but just 20 minutes or so is the amount of time it will take you to get to central London. This South London gem is bustling with street food markets and unique world food stores, offering students delicious food options right at their doorstep.

Other London areas which are student-friendly include Stratford E15, Wembley Park HA9, Greenwich SE10, Finsbury Park N4 and Streatham SW2.

These areas are known for their young, active communities of students and young professionals, featuring a mix of independent shops, main high street stores, and green spaces. Locations like Camden Town and the South Bank are also popular among students for their live music scenes and proximity to universities like City University and the London College of Communication.

Hammersmith and Ealing

For those studying in West London, areas like Hammersmith and Ealing provide excellent transport links to Imperial College London via the District Line. These neighborhoods offer a blend of city life and residential comfort, with plenty of cafes, pubs, and shops, alongside quiet streets and nearby parks. Westfield Shopping Centre in West London is just a short walk away, providing easy access to shopping and entertainment.


About the Author:

Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.

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