I’m moving to London soon for my studies and currently looking for affordable student accommodation near central areas or with good connectivity to universities. I’ve been checking out options online but it’s honestly a bit overwhelming with so many choices.
I have checked the Best Student Halls properties – their options look good, but I’d like to explore a few more choices so I can compare prices and find the best fit.
If anyone here has recommendations for safe and budget-friendly places, or tips on where students usually prefer to stay in London, I’d really appreciate your guidance . Also open to flatshare suggestions.
Hi @Puja_Sharma I moved to London last year for my studies and went through the same stress with accommodation . Best Student Halls is fine, but definitely check other options too because prices swing a lot depending on location.
Most students I know end up around Stratford, Mile End, or Wembley not exactly central but way cheaper and the tube makes it easy to get to uni. If you’re okay with sharing, SpareRoom is great for flatshares, and sites like AmberStudent/UniAcco have a bunch of student halls you can compare.
What I did was book a short-term stay for 2 weeks when I landed, then went around checking flats in person honestly, the safest way so you don’t get stuck with something dodgy.
For budget, expect around £650–£900/month, depending on how close you want to be. If you share, you can save a lot. You can also try this student roommate finder, where people heading to the same city/uni connect, makes it easier to find flatmates.
Which uni are you joining btw? That makes a big difference in choosing the area.
Uni-focused and agency sites: Unilodgers, Best Student Halls, StudentCrowd (reviews). (Best Student Halls)
Providers to check directly: Sanctuary Students, Chapter, Unite Students, Scape, Urbanest — all have many halls across London. (Example: Sanctuary listings). (sanctuary-students.com)
Best areas for students (good mix of price + transport):
Zone 2/3 spots with good links: Stratford, Ealing, Walthamstow, Leyton, New Cross, Greenwich — cheaper than Zone 1 but still quick to central London. (Cube Student Living)
If you want nightlife/campus vibe: try Shoreditch / Aldgate / Camden (costs more). Chapter Spitalfields is popular if you want central living. (chapter-living.com)
Quick pros & cons
University halls (first year) — cheaper, social, all bills included, safe. Good if you want to meet people fast. (Uni halls often run 38–52 week contracts.) (studentbuddy.io)
Private student halls — more modern facilities, a bit pricier but everything’s covered (wifi, gym). Good if you want turnkey living. (Best Student Halls)
Flatshares (SpareRoom/Rightmove/Zoopla/OpenRent) — can be cheaper, more freedom, but you handle bills and landlord hassles. Watch out for scams. (student.spareroom.co.uk)
Must-do checklist before you sign
Confirm what’s included (bills/internet/cleaning).
Check distance & commute time to your uni (not just zone).
Read the contract length (38 vs 51 weeks) — summer housing matters.
Ask about guarantor requirements (most landlords want one, or you’ll need a guarantor service).
Check reviews on StudentCrowd or Trustpilot for the building/provider. (StudentCrowd)
How to save cash
Look in Zone 3–4 and use a fast Tube/Overground link — rent drops a lot outside Zone 2. (Cube Student Living)
Share a flat (3–4 people) and cook at home.
Compare “ensuite in shared flat” vs studio — ensuite is usually cheaper.
. Also open to flatshare suggestions.
. Best Student Halls is fine, but definitely check other options too because prices swing a lot depending on location.