Making a choice on where to stay in London will have a significant impact on your trip because it is a sizable city packed with history, excitement, and culture. So we have decided to help you cut the chase and have provided you with a good list of some of the best places to stay in London.
One of London’s best features is how each neighborhood has its own personality and gives you the impression that you’re in a whole different city.
However, deciding where to stay in London is difficult because there are so many neighborhoods and a wide variety of things to do and see.
Although rentals can appear expensive, there is affordable student housing in London accessible all across the city—you just need to know where to look. London is home to a sizable number of students.
Let’s dive into the best places to stay in London as an international student.
Is London Expensive?
Even though London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are ways to make your vacation less expensive. These include using public transportation, researching surcharge-free options, and booking more moderate or inexpensive lodgings.
See also: What Is Study Abroad? 13 Amazing Secrets You Need To Know
Best Places to Live vs. Your Student Needs
Overall, you’ll need to consider what you value most in terms of your time, money, and life in London.
You want to live close enough to your school that you don’t have to spend all of your time traveling there from the suburbs. You have enough money left over after paying your rent so you can enjoy living in London.
Good transportation connections are essential and can open up a wide range of more economical possibilities.
The Best Place to Live for Nightlife
Brixton is difficult to top in terms of enjoyment to be had. Brixton is a center of multiculturalism, and its night time economy reflects this diversity and artistic inventiveness. From superclubs and late-license bars to oddball and unique one-off events and locations, Brixton has it all.
Visit the Ritzy Picturehouse to see a movie. For samba dancers, Latin cocktails, and DJs, check out Barrio Brixton. At Electric Brixton, catch a top-tier DJ lifting the roof.
The Safest Place to Live
London is just as secure as any other major metropolis on earth. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to remain alert. No matter where you reside, it’s necessary to take precautions for your personal safety, including going home with friends and staying away from illegal activities.
The Best Place to Live on a Budget
Continue your search outside of the city for less expensive lodging. North London’s The Stay Club is worth a look. It is well connected to the city center by The Northern Line and only takes 35 minutes to get to the University of Westminster. It offers less expensive single rooms and shared flats as well as fantastic social spaces.
Colindale is genuinely affordable and upbeat. With modern constructions like The Stay Club Colindale, artisan high street stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as neighboring open spaces like Silk Stream Park and Montrose Playing Fields, it is quickly earning a reputation as the perfect location for young people. Colindale really provides a lot for not much money.
What are the Best Places to Stay in London as an International Student?
Are you traveling to London and are looking for some fast advice on the best places to stay in London as an international student? Consider one of these interesting options:
1. Wembley
2. Hammersmith
3. South Bank
4. Shoreditch
5. Camden
6. Tower Bridge
7. Bermondsey
8. Richmond
9. Brixton
10. Kings Cross
11. Kensington
12. Mayfair
13. Soho
14. Covent Garden
15. Marylebone
1. Wembley
A highly well-liked student neighborhood in London is Wembley. Living close to Wembley Stadium, which hosts England’s national football team’s home games and is THE venue to see headliners like Beyonce, BTS, Oasis, and Taylor Swift, is great if you enjoy big-name football games and live music.
The high street contains all the necessities, and eateries like Pizza Express and Las Iguanas provide discounts for students. You may explore the area and discover a ton of spots to relax, have a study date, or hang out with friends.
You can easily travel into downtown London in about 20 minutes thanks to the three nearby train stations and the abundance of buses, which make it easy to move around the city.
2. Hammersmith
There is a lot to do in Hammersmith, making it a popular location for students to live, work, and study. If you enjoy live music, the arts, the outdoors, or independent films, there are plenty of places to keep you entertained between classes, ranging from classic pubs and eateries to eccentric cafes and cutting-edge theaters.
Living here puts some of the best entertainment in the world right outside your door because of the legendary event space, The Hammersmith Apollo, which played host to David Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust.
You can get anything you need, from food and supplies for your studies to clothes and amusement, with the help of all the high street favorites. You can reach central London in about 15 minutes if you have easy access to the Underground.
3. South Bank
The South Bank, a bustling area with riverside shops, taverns, museums, and art galleries, is only a short distance from Waterloo Station.
The area is busy all year long, but there are also some peaceful spots along the river where you can relax with friends and enjoy the weather, a drink, or some cuisine.
There are so many activities and sights to see at the South Bank. You can cross Waterloo Bridge to get to the Strand, which is close to Covent Garden.
Although it’s a terrific spot for walking, using the Underground and Overground trains within the entire city is even more convenient.
4. Shoreditch
The place to be in London for a terrific student buzz is trendy Shoreditch. This diverse borough is a terrific spot to be if you’re interested in living in a creative neighborhood because it’s extremely easy to be vegan here and it’s also an LGBT-friendly region.
It’s also a terrific spot to get your foot in the door because it’s home to many inventive digital and media businesses.
The streets of Shoreditch are studded with cool pubs, art, and a diverse population. It is simple to travel around because it is close to central London—an 8-minute bus ride away.
See also: Should I Study Abroad? 17 Reasons Why Your Country Is Not The Best
5. Camden
The most well-known attraction in this region is Camden Market, a vast marketplace filled with antiques, crafts, and vintage clothing.
Camden is a bustling, colorful area of the city with a thriving live music scene, and both branches of the Northern Line provide easy access to the rest of the city. For a taste of what’s happening, check out The Roundhouse, one of Camden’s top live theatre and music venues.
Think about The Stay Club Camden to achieve the ideal balance in your student life. This reasonably priced lodging offers a selection of studios and double suites decorated in a dorm-style along with 24-hour security, a café, a lounge, and a gym in the center of Camden.
6. Tower Bridge
Living in this historic area of London is fascinating and motivating. You can take advantage of the cobblestone streets, lively bars, and street market bargain-hunting on the outskirts of London’s fashionable East End.
Experience the kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas that Brick Lane’s vibrant markets have to offer. The top curry restaurants in London often offer student discounts throughout the middle of the week.
Queen Mary University of London, London Metropolitan University, and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry are all conveniently located near Tower Bridge, but you can travel almost anywhere else thanks to the Circle, District, and Metropolitan lines’ accessibility.
7. Bermondsey
Bermondsey is a particularly hip neighborhood for students to dwell in because of its eclectic mix of ancient structures and industrial architecture, art galleries, bars, and delectable street cuisine.
Get lost in Borough Market’s exquisite cuisine selections. Take on the The Bermondsey Beer Mile challenge. South Bank University, King’s College, and London Bridge are all within walking distance of Bermondsey, which is serviced by both the Jubilee line and overground trains.
8. Richmond
A little farther afield, the residential neighborhood of Richmond is well connected to the city center by a number of different transportation options.
Great views are available at taverns like the White Cross and along riverside strolls. Richmond Park has miles of gardens, forests, and running routes. It has more than 2,500 acres and more than 600 deer.
Living here is undoubtedly advantageous for Richmond University, but it is also convenient for many other locations thanks to the District Line, overground, and national train services. A direct trip to London Waterloo takes just 20 minutes.
9. Brixton
Brixton provides a wide variety of eateries, a ton of live music, and some of London’s greatest clubs, including Phonox, in addition to its Caribbean heritage and elegant roof bars.
Additionally, there are lovely green spots like Brockwell Park where you may unwind. Even though this neighborhood has recently become highly popular, there are still some affordable options available for students, especially if you’re willing to share.
Brixton is directly connected to the city center by overground rail and is only one stop away from Victoria on the Victoria Line.
10. Kings Cross
Kings Cross, a bustling and international area of the city with a lot of affordable places to eat, drink, and stay, is home to a sizable student population.
Its crowded subterranean station, which is served by the Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan, and Victoria line, is London’s largest interchange.
Additionally, it is where the Eurostar, which connects you to continental Europe, departs from. There is always something going on thanks to the Sadlers Wells Theatre, a location for modern dance, as well as renowned London nightclubs like Scala and Big Chill Bar.
If not, you may always head to the renowned British Library to finish what you were planning to do there. City University, SOAS, and UCL are all 20 minutes by commuter train or bus from Kings Cross.
11. Kensington
Kensington is a posh neighborhood and home to Imperial College London, The Royal College of Music, and The Royal College of Art.
If you’re fortunate enough to locate a cheap place to rent here, you’ll have your pick of London’s most renowned museums, parks, restaurants, and nightlife.
Visit The Serpentine Art Galleries, wander around Hyde Park, and party with the stars at Boujis. Even swimming in chilly water is available at The Serpentine Lido.
12. Mayfair
With its location in the center of London, Mayfair is without a doubt one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city and commands a high price.
Due to its beautiful architecture and stylish stores, London is frequently depicted in movies and television series using this as one of the key locations. Harrods, one of the most recognizable department stores in the world, is located in Mayfair.
This is one of the greatest places to have your first afternoon tea because so many upscale hotels have a large variety of upscale teas, sweets, and sandwiches.
13. Soho
The best place to stay in London to be as central as possible is Soho, which is located in the Westminster borough.
This region is perfect for families as it is close to numerous popular sights like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Circus, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, the Theater of London, Leicester Square, and more. It also boasts bustling streets.
Even though Soho is one of the most visited neighborhoods in London, it is still feasible to choose a cheap hotel and maintain a manageable travel budget while staying there. Not to mention that it boasts some of London’s greatest nightlife!
14. Covent Garden
You’ve probably heard of Covent Garden if you’re looking for a trusted location in London. From hopping pubs to some of London’s top restaurants, this thriving area in the west end of the city has it all. Both families and lone travelers will love it.
While you’re here, explore Covent Garden Market, one of the city’s busiest retail areas. The main market comprises a number of stores, eateries, bars, and stalls where independent vendors of antiques, cuisine, arts & crafts, and souvenirs may be found.
Despite its prime location, the neighborhood offers a variety of hotel alternatives, including boutique hotels, mid-range hotels, and inexpensive hotels if you’re trying to save some additional cash.
15. Marylebone
Looking for a place to stay in London that exudes luxury, style, and elegance? Next, visit Marylebone.
Marylebone, a charming area in London’s west end, is home to numerous independent stores and upscale eateries. No matter if you’re going on a much-needed girls’ trip or a sweet romantic getaway with your significant other, Marylebone has a ton of amazing activities and sights that you can enjoy without leaving the area.
Take your next photo fit for Vogue magazine among the stunning Victorian buildings that line the high street. The Wallace Collection, a wonderful museum full of artwork and cultural relics from the eighteenth century, including furniture, weaponry, china, and armor, is a popular destination in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Due to their high rates of crime and a reputation for being dangerous at night, Croydon, Tower Hamlets, and Newham are the primary neighborhoods in London that you should stay away from.
Regardless of the neighborhood you’re staying in, it’s crucial to be alert of your surroundings and travel with a friend, family member, or partner when out and about at night.
You need at least three days if this is your first visit to London. Naturally, the more of London’s excellent amenities you get to experience the longer you stay there.
You should fly into one of London Gatwick, London Heathrow, or London City airports for convenience in getting to the city center. Consider which airport is closest to your London lodging while choosing one.
London Stansted and London Luton are a little further away but still fairly central. Although they can be a bit more difficult to reach, these airports frequently have budget airlines that provide inexpensive flights to other cities throughout Europe.
What activities you intend to engage in should play a significant role in determining where you stay in London. Because you get the best of both worlds, a peaceful central location is the finest place to stay in London. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to be in a prime location so you can walk to the majority of the attractions.
Conclusion
Make sure you have a fantastic overall experience wherever you decide to live as a student in London by selecting purpose-built, highly recommended student housing like The Stay Club.
Their three locations in Colindale, Kentish Town, and Camden all provide entertaining communal areas, cozy, spotless rooms, and suites at reasonable rates, fantastic amenities, and convenient access to transportation.
Take full advantage of your stay in London. Study hard, have fun hard, and at the end of the day, know that you have a warm, inviting place to return to.
