The UK’s capital is a bustling and vibrant student city, home to no fewer than 40 institutions of higher education and over 400,000 students. Its culture, diversity and opportunities alongside some of the best universities in the country attract prospective students from all over the world. The sheer number means that there are several areas across the city popular with students from north to south and east to west.
Now, there are a number of key metrics that make an area popular with students; rental price, crime levels, the current demographic of the area, nightlife and how close the area is the centre to name just a few. Here we take a look at five popular student areas in London:
Despite its proximity to the nightlife of Shoreditch and Hoxton and Bank and the City, Bethnal Green is still relatively cheap for its location and is also home to a student hall of residence. It is also on the central line, meaning a commute into the city will take under 20 minutes.
Bethnal Green Road is a busy shopping street, whilst heading towards Shoreditch will lead you to a variety of pubs and clubs. There are several low cost gyms, local parks and walks to be taken along the canal.
Popular with students and recent-graduates alike, the areas of Brixton and Clapham are a great place for students to live in south London. Whilst rental prices are slightly higher than other areas in south London, the nightlife and bustling young feel of the areas are certainly worth the extra cost for many.
Clubs and pubs such as the Brixton Academy, Electric Brixton, Jamm and those on Clapham High Street are all popular student haunts. The Prince of Wales in Brixton is also a venue any student in London should visit.
The northern and Victoria lines connect the two areas to the centre. On a summer’s day, Clapham Common is bustling with young and old.
For those destined to live in south London on a tighter budget, Camberwell may well be the destination of choice. The growing area of trendy students and artist-types, centred around the Camberwell College of Arts, is teeming with student bars and one or two fantastic galleries.
Camberwell is a fantastic location for any students interested in the arts and drama and comes at a lower cost than the likes of Shoreditch or Hackney. For those who don’t mind living in ex-local authority stock the price is even lower. For specific student accommodation, search ‘student accommodation Camberwell’ to find a brand new purpose built halls of residence in the area.
There are trendy bars on either side of Camberwell Church Street, a Jazz Club can be found in the Crypt of St Giles’ Church and the area is generally an edgier cousin to the likes of Shoreditch. There are a number of green spaces, including the Ruskin Park, which is short walk from Denmark Hill Station.
In terms of transport, Camberwell is on a number of bus routes and trains from Denmark Hill run to Victoria and Blackfriars in under ten minutes.
Another lower cost solution to students looking to live in south London is Tooting, located south of Balham and on the northern line. It boasts a number of lively pubs and clubs, including the popular student venue The Tram and Social. In terms of pubs, the Kings Head is lively from Thursday through until Sunday as is the Castle, which can be found near to Tooting Broadway station.
Whilst the high street certainly looks a little rough around the edges, its bark is far worse than its bite. There are a number of fantastic bring-your-own-booze curry houses that serve up Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine far superior to anything you’ll find on Brick Lane.
Tooting Common is the largest open space in the area and is home to the Lido; a huge open air swimming pool. Whilst it can get a little busy, the Common is a fantastic space to exercise and play in the summer months and beyond.
Home to 18 halls of residence belonging to the Queen Mary University, Mile End is a very popular student location. There are also a number of private student halls and houses for students to let. It has shaken off its once unsavoury reputation as being unsafe and is now a bustling student area.
Mile End Park is great for exercise (there’s even a climbing wall), there are dozens of bars and restaurants and the station is connected by three underground lines – central, district and Hammersmith and city.
The cheapest area is in the north and the housing stock is a blend of new builds, period homes and ex-council stock.
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