Uncategorized, 9 July

Student accommodation London – where to live

Student accommodation London

Area guide in London (or where to live in London)

International students in London often ask which are the good areas to live in London and to find student accommodation in. The answer to this question has many variables, such as which university in London do they attend, which zone is more suitable for them, how close is the tube station, how Safe is the area considered, what it the “feeling” of the area, etc.
As for housing and accommodation in London, Expats and students should take into consideration that accommodation in central London is quite expensive, and as such, most students on a budget prefer to live between zones 2 and 4, or they group up with flatmates and find house shares in zone 1 in order to split the cost and enjoy the benefits of living in the heart of the city. In general, the lower rents accommodation spread to the south of the River and in locations in which the main public transportation is by over ground rail or buses (rather than metro).
Safe areas in London:

London spreads over a huge area. It has one of the world’s largest ethnically diverse population and mixture of numerous cultures. Being a large metropolis, London suffers from the regular crime associated problems of a large city. Although the more cheaper areas, in which most international students live during their studies in London, are the more effected ones, crime also effects the other, more expensive boroughs and zones.

So Where does international students in London live? London itself is divided into 33 boroughs, each divided to smaller areas often named after the closest tube or rail station, and each has its one unique feel and architecture. So before choosing where to live in London, it is important to understand the diversity of these sub areas in London, UK. In general, north of the Thames River and north of the City are considered more trendy, which leads to high rent prices. The most south after locations are: Marylebone, St. John’s wood, Maida Vale, Primrose Hill, Highbury, Islington, Hampstead and Highgate. South of the River Thames holds more affordable housing in London, green surroundings and neighborhoods dotted with coffee shops and restaurants. The more popular areas in this part of London are: Borough, Battersea, Wimbeldon, Clapham and Wandsworth.
West London offers large, famous parks (such as Hyde Park), white columned buildings and historical landmarks such as Buckingham palace. This area is very expensive, and contains the luxury neighborhoods of Notting Hill, Kensington, South Kensington, Chelsea, Earl’s Court and Fulham.
Southwest London is a more popular area with families looking for green spaces and good schooling system.

 

Different areas in London:

Below you can find a more detailed summary of the more popular areas in London. while some areas are more expensive than others, it does not mean that they are “better” or more suitable to your needs, as each neighborhood, borough and area in London has it’s unique atmosphere, advantages and disadvantage.
City of London:
Referred to as “The Square Mile”, it is the smallest borough in London and it covers the business and financial district. As the capital’s central business area, most of the population in this borough is combined of local and expatriate professionals. Rich in history and cultural monuments and one of London’s oldest Boroughs, the city of London offers many tourists locations such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Barbican centre. Accommodation in this Borough is very expensive and limited.
• City of London local council website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
• Main stations in City of London: Liverpool Street, Blackfriars, Bank, Barbican, Cannon Street, Moorgate, St Paul’s, Fenchurch Street, Aldgate.

Westminster
Covering a substantial portion of Central London, the Borough of Westminster offers a busy atmosphere of mixed shopping, socializing and residential areas. With its many bars, restaurants, clubs, museums and Royal parks (Such as Hyde park and Regents park), this Borough represents the hectic, yet cosmopolitan, ambiance of London. appealing to students and professionals, the rents in Westminster are very high, although if offers lower rents within its borders in areas such as Westbourne Park,
Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale and St Johns Wood and Paddington.

• Westminster local council website: www.westminster.gov.uk
• Main stations in Westminster: Victoria, Paddington, Charing Cross, Barker Street, Covent Garden, Embankment, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, Regent Street, St Johns Wood, Maida Vale, Hyde Park Corner.

Camden
A busy Borough with many central roads, vivid nightlife, shopping areas and markets, Camden offers a more bohemian feeling. Camden offers various accommodation possibilities, from areas rich in green spaces and village-like ambiance to the more “snobbish” locations. The rent costs soar or drop according to the specific inside Camden, as some areas are push neighborhoods, such as Swiss Cottage and Hampstead, and others trendy and bustling areas popular with expatriates, international Erasmus and local students living in London’s popular locations.
• Camden local council website: www.camden.gov.uk
• Main stations in Camden: King’s Cross, Euston, Camden, Tottenham Court Road, Warren Street, Kentish Town, Holborn, Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, Finchley Road, Hampstead, West Hampstead.
Islington
Trendy area for living, socializing and shopping, Islington offers many coffee shops, restaurants and bars along its Upper Street. The Borough also offers to the community the Farmers market, designer boutiques and the Angel shopping centre and cinema. Though the areas around Angel and Highbury are quite expensive to rent, many other parts of the Borough offer reasonable rent prices and good links to public transportation.
• Islington local council website: www.islington.gov.uk
• Main stations in Islington: Angel, Highbury & Islington, Archway, Arsenal, Holloway Road, Tufnell Park, Caledonian Road.

Tower Hamlets
Covering the east London from the first bend in the River Thames to the boarders of Hackney, the Borough’s main attraction of social activity surrounds Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Canary Wharf, Stepney and Wapping. This area hosts a mixture of cultures, mainly situated in the neighborhood of Bethnal Green, and offers many markets, museums, parks and festivals as well as the monumental Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Tower Hamlets provides good accommodation around Regent Campus as well as housing complexes overlooking the river.
• Tower Hamlets local council website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
• Main stations in Tower Hamlet: Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green, Mile End, Tower Hill, White Chapel, Shadwell,Stepney Green, Bow Road.

Hackney
This Borough is not easily accessible by the tube system, and most public transportation within it is made by buses and trains. It is mainly a residential area which, although less favorable than other central boroughs, offers many lively locations such as Hackney Empire, markets and many green parks and open spaces. There are quite a few cheap accommodation possibilities in Hackney, though it is recommended to first plan the route by public transportation from and to central London.
• Hackney local council website: www.hackney.gov.uk
• Main stations in Hackney: Finsbury Park, Manor House, Old Street, Hackney Central, Clapton, StokeNewington, Stamford Hill, Dalston Kingsland, Hackney Wick, London Fields.

Kensington and Chelsea
This Borough is rich in historic and architectural monuments and offers many groomed parks and lovely streets. Many of London’s cultural sites are found in this Royal Borough including The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. flats in Kensington and Chelsea are very expensive due to the prestigious reputation of the area, however many house shares can be found within large Victorian houses.
• Kensington and Chelsea local council website: www.rbkc.gov.uk
• Main stations in Kensington and Chelsea: Knightsbridge, Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, South Kensington, High street Kensington, West Kensington, Fulham Broadway, Hyde Park Corner, Bayswater.

 

Hammersmith and Fulham

Located on the main public transportation routes into and out of the capital to the west, this borough offers an easy access to the West-End as well as an abundant of theaters, cinemas, shopping centers and clubs. The population of Fulham is mainly of Londoners by nature, while Hammersmith’s population is more divers and combined of different cultural groups. Some of the more popular areas for accommodation in Hammersmith and Fulham which are not so expensive are in Brook Green, Brackenbury and Ravenscourt park.

• Hammersmith and Fulham local council website: www.lbhf.gov.uk
• Main stations in Hammersmith and Fulham: Shepherds Bush, Parsons Green, Chiswick, Olympia, Fulham, Earls Court.

Lambeth
Lambeth is a popular, dynamic and divers borough which offers a mixture of commercial, residential, artistic and architectural locations. The bars and clubs in Brixton, the South Bank complex of galleries and theaters and the entertainment venues around the London eye provides a vivid atmosphere to this borough. Though some areas are considered to be wealthier, others suffer from poverty, so it is important to check first the safety of an area when searching for accommodation in Lambeth.
• Lambeth local council website: www.lambeth.gov.uk
• Main stations in Lambeth: Waterloo, Lambeth North, Vauxall, Oval, Stockwell, Brixton, Wandsworth Road, Clapham North/South/Common, Streatham Hill/Common, West Norwood, Tulse Hill.

Southwark
Covering the area from the River Thames at London Bridge to the south, offering a pastoral ambiance across many “countryside” like areas. The main public transportation in Southwark is done by the over ground railway, which provide a short travel to London Bridge and Victoria. The renowned museums which reside in Southwark, including the Tate modern and the classical Dulwich Picture Gallery, makes it a favorable location for those with a passion to the arts. The accommodation in Southwark is generally cheaper than in many of the other central boroughs.
• Southwark local council website: www.southwark.gov.uk
• Main stations in Southwark: London Bridge, Elephant & Castle, Southwark, Borough, Bermondsey, Canada Water, Rotherhithe, South Bermondsey, East/North/West Dulwich, Queen’s Road Peckham.

Lewisham
Though mainly serviced by the over ground railway, it is easily accessible to the City using the Docklands Light Railway. A less hectic borough than others, Lewisham offers many parks, markets and a more natural feeling. The accommodation in Lewisham is considerably cheaper than other boroughs, though the public transportation venues are not considered as the best for an easy access to the city center.
• Lewisham local council website: www.lewisham.gov.uk
• Main stations in Lewisham: Lewisham, New Cross, New Cross Gate, Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Blackheath, Deptford, Beckenham Hill, Catford, Ravensbourne.

Balham
These days, Balham is a popular south London area with great bars, coffee shops and school system. as it is situation between lapham Common, Wandsworth Common and Tooting Common, it has excellent transportation links with the overland and tube. Popular with young families and professionals, Balham offers an opportunity to find housing in London in cheap rental prices.

Battersea Park
Located opposite to Chelsea, and on the banks of the river Thames, Battersea Park offers lovely residential area with many sports facilities, leafy streets and private schools. Popular with young professionals and expatriates moving to London, Battersea Park has easy access to the City via trains running to Victoria and Waterloo stations.

Battersea
A bustling, popular area with young families. Battersea has easy access to central London which attracts both young expats and students looking to enjoy the vivid bars and restaurants evening scene.

Bayswater
Bordering with Hyde park and Oxford street in zone 1. Bayswater is a multicultural, diverse and elegant area offering rentals and flatshares in zone 1 which are not as expensive as accommodation in the neighboring Notting Hill or Mayfair.

Beckenham
popular with young professionals and families looking to get the maximum value for their spent rent, Beckenham has great transport routes and quaint leafy surroundings.

Belsize Park
One of London’s fashionable places, located just between edgy Camden and glamorous Primrose Hill, this is one of the south after location for those looking for chic on their search for housing in London. due to the high rental costs, students and young professionals looking for flats or rooms in London, are more likely to find a house share in this popular NW3 postcode rather than rent a flat by themselves which is quite costly.

Blackheath
In south-east London, this historic and village like area offers a true pastoral living environment. Located just across the river from Canary Wharf, there are many flats and flatshares in this SE3, SE10 areas which attract expats and students looking for more affordable accommodation in London.

Borough
Bordering with the River Thames and Bermondsey, Borough is one of the more central locations in London. it is divers and popular place to those looking for the SE1 potcode.

Brockley
Situated between New Cross and Peckham, Brockley Is the center of South East London and well connected to the South East arts scene.

Bromley
A large suburban town, popular with students and only 15 minutes by train from the centre.

Brook Green
Neighboring with Shepherd’s Bush, Olympia and Hammersmith, Brook Green offers a charming, village like ambiance, popular with families and young professionals.

Chislehurst
A green, village like area with narrow country lanes and a relaxing, laid back feeling.

Chiswick
Located on the banks of the riverside, Chiswick is a popular, leafy area, offering young professional looking for accommodation in London which is close to the tube station and yet quiet.

Clapham
One of south London’s most popular areas, bordering with clapham Common, Brixton and Kennington and offering a stylish, vibrant high street attracting expats, university graduates and international students looking for the multicultural student experience in London.

Crouch End
A popular residential area in North London, with a close community and excellent local school system.

Crystal Palace
Affordable area in London, which is showing growing interest by young professionals and student looking for cheap flats and flatshares in London. there are many bars in the area and within a short ride from Canary Wharf.

Dulwich Village
A true to its name, real traditional village, famous for its gallery and popular with upper class families.

Ealing
A green west London suburb, with a cosmopolitan mixture of cultures and good transportation, and an affordable rentals in zone 3 option. Popular with students looking for flats and cheap rooms to rent in London.

Earlsfield
Located in south west London, Earlsfield has good public transportation links into London, and many hangout places making this SW18 area popular with expats and young families looking for affordable accommodation in London.

East Dulwich
A stylish village in south east London and excellent public schools.

Finchley
Central, yet affordable location. Popular with families and young singles alike due its low prices and quiet, safe streets.

Forest Hill
Located in Zone 2, and with 15 minutes ride into London Bridge, Forest hill is getting more and more popular with young professional and families looking for reasonably priced accommodation in London.

Fulham
Bordering with Chelsea and close to Sloane Square and Knightsbridge, Fulham is one of the trendiest locations in London, popular with young professionals and students looking for flats or flat shares in London.

Hammersmith
One of the most popular areas in London to live in, with a multicultural, vivid life style, Hammersmith has costly offers for housing in London, however – still popular with young families, professional and international students in London, as it is not as expensive as the more central areas in Lonodn.

Hayes
Comprised of two parts, Old Hayes – a more village like area, and the new part of Hayes, with its shopping center and train station. The residents in this area are mainly families.

Highgate
Located at one of London’s highest points uphill, it has great views overlooking central London.

Holland Park
An expensive, chic area appealing to upper scale professionals, diplomats and celebrities.

Islington
Popular due to its close proximity to the city center, Islington has a mixture of residents as well as many students studying in the many universities in London.

Kennington
Just between Clapham and Waterloo, it is one of south London’s upcoming residential areas located in both zone one and biting into zone 2 in London.
Kingston Upon Thames
An ideal location for students looking to find student accommodation in London, this area has many restaurants and coffee shops as well as pastime leisure facilities alongside the River.

Lee
Located in south west London, not far from Blackheath, this area is becoming more and more popular with young professionals due to its easily accessible route to London Bridge by train.

Marylebone
Located on the borders between Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, this is one of the most upscale Zone 1 areas. It’s W1 and NW1 flats and houses are popular with the upper scale residents and its central house shares offer students a great location for flatsharing in London.

Muswell Hill
Situated on a high position, it offers great views across the city and one of the more popular areas in North London.

Peckham
Located in south east London, this area is popular with students looking for flat shares in the city as well as with young families looking for good schools system.

Putney
Located in south west London, with great transport links and architectural attractiosn, Putney is a very popular area with students looking for accommodation in London and young professionals.

Raynes Park
A middle class residential area with affordable accommodation prices and safe streets.

Southfields
In south west London, this area is world renowned for its annual international Wimbledon tennis championships. It is a popular location for young families looking for a more village-like feeling with green open spaces.

Southgate
A popular north London area with easy access to Piccadilly Circus.

St John’s Wood
Neighboring Regent’s Park, this area in London is a very popular and desirable NW8 postcode location. Centrally located and fashionable, the rentals in St John’s Wood are quite expensive and appealing to the upper class professionals or students and expats looking for houseshares in the center of London.

Streatham
A multicultural, increasingly popular residential area with a20 minutes ride to London Victoria station.

Surrey Quays
Bordering Bermondsey and the Thames and rich in history, this area has great views over the City and Canary Wharf, making it popular with young professionals.

Tooting
One stop from Balham, a vivid, busy and cosmopolitan area with good public transportation routes, which is divided in to three areas: Tooting broadway, Tooting Bec and Furzedown.

West Dulwich
Popular with young residents to easy access to Victoria and many bars.

West Wickham
Located between Croydon and Bromley, this suburban area is popular with families looking for a place a bit farther from London, which is yet easily accessible to commute.

Wimbledon
The capital largest Common, it’s a rich in heritage town with great public transportation routes and excellent schools.

Pimlico
A small area in central London, in the City of Westminster which is known for its grand garden squares.

 

Shared accommodation in London:

The cost of living in London can get extremely high. Since the costs of accommodation in London is one of the highest in the world, many young professionals, expats and students moving to London are choosing to rent a room in London by themselves, or to buddy up and create a group of Flatmates so they can find together a nice flatshare in London, which allows them to both enjoy the experience of living in the heart of the city while reducing the living and rent costs to a minimum and making new friends.

 

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