GoDorm

City Guide

Living in London as an International Student

Neighbourhoods, rent, transport and the real cost of a London student year, from the team that books rooms there every day.

City Guide· Updated October 2026

London is the most popular student city in the world for a reason: world-class universities, every cuisine on earth, and a job market that keeps graduates in the city long after they finish. It is also expensive, so a little planning goes a long way.

Where students live

  • King's Cross and Bloomsbury. Walkable to UCL, King's and SOAS. Premium prices, unbeatable convenience.
  • Stratford. Modern purpose-built blocks, great transport, and better value than Zone 1.
  • Elephant & Castle. Central, well connected and close to LSBU and King's Waterloo campus.
  • Aldgate and Whitechapel. A short walk to Queen Mary and the City.
  • Wembley. Good value with fast links into central London on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines.

What a room costs

Room typeTypical weekly rent
------
En-suite in a shared flat£250–£350
Studio£320–£450
Premium studio, Zone 1£450+

Most purpose-built student accommodation includes bills, Wi-Fi, a gym and 24-hour security. Contracts usually run for 44 or 51 weeks.

Getting around

Get an 18+ Student Oyster card for 30% off Travelcards and bus passes. Living near a Tube or Overground line usually matters more than the distance on a map.

When to book

London rooms near campus fill up from February for a September start. Book 4–6 months ahead for the best choice and prices, and check whether your room has visa-refusal cancellation terms.

Ready to find your room?

Tell us your university and budget and we'll shortlist verified London rooms for you. Start a booking enquiry.