As one of the most popular universities in the UK, UCL constantly attracts international students in their numbers who end up living and studying in London.

These students either live in on-campus or private, university-managed accommodations, PBSAs, homestays or luxury rentals near campus. For students living in private, off-campus apartments, choosing the right neighbourhoods near campus can significantly improve your experience living in London.

In this post, we will highlight the top student-friendly neighbourhoods near UCL and spotlight some available UCL private accommodation options in each area.

Key Takeaways

• UCL students who prefer a luxurious and more flexible alternative to on-campus or university-managed accommodations usually opt for private student accommodation near UCL. These apartments are usually fully furnished and come with luxury, hotel-style amenities. They are also located in student-friendly areas near campus.

• Some of the most student-friendly neighbourhoods near UCL are Stratford, Holborn, Camden, Bloomsbury, and Fitzrovia. These neighbourhoods have several accommodation options, amenities, adequate transport links, and are safe, making them perfect for UCL students.

• On Student Luxe, you can explore and book your ideal UCL accommodation near campus. These accommodations come with flexible lease terms, so you can stay for as long or short as you need. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.

If you're schooling at University College London (UCL) and looking for the perfect place to live, consider any UCL private accommodation in these student-friendly neighbourhoods:

Stratford

Located in East London, Stratford has multiple luxury student accommodations, which are perfect for UCL students. Despite being slightly farther away from UCL than other neighbourhoods, it has excellent transport links, like the London Underground, Overground, and multiple bus routes.

Stratford can feel a bit busy and crowded, especially during peak hours, thanks to its major transport hubs and commercial areas. Living here gives you easy access to other academic institutions in different parts of London, so the area is often filled with students, residents and tourists.

With the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, and numerous cafes and restaurants, Stratford provides a lively and safe living environment for students. Nearby neighbourhoods like Hackney Wick and Leyton also have trendy cafés, art spaces, and affordable eateries. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides green space for outdoor activities, making Stratford a lively and balanced place to study and relax.

Holborn

Holborn is a bustling neighbourhood in central London with a mix of residential streets, office buildings, and cultural attractions. Its location makes it convenient for UCL students to access the campus and explore the city. The neighbourhood offers a variety of accommodation options, including student halls, flats, and shared houses.

Holborn is also near other iconic academic institutions, such as KCL, LSE, SOAS, etc., making it very student-friendly. This area has a distinctive vibe, with its mix of grand, historic architecture and contemporary urban amenities. It has a vibrant cultural scene, including theatres, galleries, and bookstores, contributing to a lively student atmosphere.

The nearby neighbourhoods like Bloomsbury and Covent Garden enhance Holborn’s appeal, offering additional dining options, shopping experiences, and entertainment. With Holborn Station providing excellent connectivity via the Central and Piccadilly lines, students can easily explore other parts of London.

Camden

Known for its vibrant music scene, eclectic markets, and bohemian vibe, Camden is a popular choice among UCL students. Located north of the university, Camden offers a wide range of accommodation options, from converted warehouses to purpose-built student housing. With its lively nightlife, quirky shops, and international cuisine, Camden provides a vibrant and culturally rich living environment.

The area is well-connected, with Camden Town Station on the Northern Line providing easy access to central London and nearby neighborhoods. For more places to explore, Kentish Town and Islington are just a short distance away, offering additional amenities, cafes, and parks.

Camden’s dynamic atmosphere and affordable living options make it a popular choice for students looking to immerse themselves in one of London’s most vibrant communities. Students enjoy exploring Camden Market and the lively Camden Lock area, which has numerous pubs and live music venues.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is home to UCL's main campus and is the best location for students to find accommodation. Thanks to its proximity to other institutions like KCL, LSE, Birkbeck, etc., this neighbourhood is the student hub of London. It is very student-friendly with its proximity to campus, green spaces like Russell Square, and cultural attractions such as the British Library, offering a convenient living environment for students.

Nearby neighbourhoods like Holborn and Fitzrovia make Bloomsbury even more appealing, providing additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Excellent transport links via Russell Square Station (Piccadilly Line) and Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly Lines) ensure easy access to the rest of London.

Students living in Bloomsbury have many spots for extracurricular activities, from classic bookstores and charming cafés to cultural landmarks such as the British Museum. Living here means having easy access to all the best things London has to offer.

Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia is located adjacent to Bloomsbury. It is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood known for its lively atmosphere and mix of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Its central location and excellent transport links make it easy for UCL students to access campus and explore the city. Fitzrovia offers a range of accommodation options, including Victorian terraces, modern developments, and purpose-built student housing.

Fitzrovia’s central location makes it easy to access nearby neighbourhoods like Bloomsbury and Soho, providing even more dining, entertainment, and cultural options. The Warren Street Station (Northern and Victoria lines) and Goodge Street Station (Northern Line) ensure quick commutes to universities and other parts of London.

Living in Fitzrovia offers students a mix of bohemian charm and central convenience. The neighbourhood is home to a variety of cultural landmarks and historical pubs, which add to its unique character.

Top 5 UCL Private Accommodations to Rent

When looking for UCL student accommodation near campus, you will find a ton of options in some of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in central London.

In the gallery below, we will showcase the top 5 UCL private accommodation options available for immediate rent.

Some of the amenities that come with these luxury UCL accommodation options are:

• concierge service

• pool/sauna

• on-site gym

• cafe

• underfloor heating

• elevator

• some units are pet-friendly

• outdoor patio

• rooftop terrace

And many more. Book your UCL private accommodation now!

Where do Most UCL Students Live?

Most UCL students live in UCL private accommodations in student-friendly neighbourhoods near campus such as Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, Stratford, Camden, etc.

These areas are near campus and also offer a lot in terms of private student accommodation, amenities and transport links.

You can find some of the best UCL accommodation options near campus on Student Luxe.

Wrapping Up

The most student-friendly neighbourhoods near UCL are Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, Stratford, Camden and Holborn. You can access the most private, flexible, and luxurious UCL accommodation on Student Luxe. These apartments are designed for the well-traveled, wealthy, and international student with a taste for opulence in living spaces. 

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