Accommodation is a major priority for international students undergoing master’s programmes in London.

Most universities in London provide on-campus accommodation or private halls of residence for master’s students. However, availability for these spaces can be limited and on a tiered basis. They also often come with shared spaces and minimal privacy.

Other options for master’s student accommodation in London are PBSAs, shared student apartments, or luxury rentals located near campus. Depending on where your institution is, finding private student accommodation nearby significantly improves your living experience.

In this post, we will highlight where masters students live in London, focusing on luxury student rentals in student-friendly neighbourhoods close to the city's most popular universities.

Key Takeaways

• Most masters students in London live in on-campus accommodations or private student apartments in central London neighbourhoods close to their campus, such as Mayfair, Marylebone, Knightsbridge, Covent Garden, and Kensington.

• With each area having perks such as proximity to campus, availability of private student accommodation, convenient transportation links, and safety, it’s not surprising that affluent international students flock to these areas.

• On Student Luxe, you can explore and book the luxury postgraduate accommodation London has to offer. These student apartments are located in the most prestigious London neighbourhoods near different institutions like LSE, UCL, KCL, and Imperial College London. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.

Best Areas to Live Near Top London Universities

When it comes to pursuing higher education in London, choosing the right neighbourhood can significantly enhance the student experience.

Here's a breakdown of some of the best areas to live near the top universities in the city:

University College London (UCL)

The University College London is Located in Bloomsbury, a neighbourhood in central London. The best areas to live near UCL are Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia.

Bloomsbury

Situated in the heart of London, Bloomsbury houses UCL and is the perfect neighbourhood for students to live in. Students can take advantage of the multiple Bloomsbury accommodation options available for rent. The neighbourhood is the academic heart of London due to its proximity to many universities and colleges.

Bloomsbury has an ever-growing student population. This is evident in the variety of amenities, from restaurants to work cafes, shops, bookstores etc., all making it easy for students to live comfortably in London.

Iconic landmarks like the British Museum also provide avenues for activities that students can enjoy at their leisure. With its safety, transportation links, and proximity to the university campus, Bloomsbury provides a convenient and enriching living environment for master’s students.

Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia is a mere 3 minutes from the UCL campus, so it is a coveted location for master’s students in London. Fitzrovia also has tons of luxury student accommodations near UCL and other universities that are available for short and long stays.

Fitzrovia is a bohemian neighbourhood with a perfect mix of galleries, quirky shops and independent cafes. It is also known for its cultural landmarks, dining spots, and trendy cafes.

Living in Fitzrovia means having access to upscale and stylish residences but without the noise of the city. Due to its central location, students living here can easily explore the rest of London via Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street stations.

King’s College London (KCL)

Located in the heart of central London, KCL welcomes thousands of masters students who live in neighbourhoods close to their specific KCL campus.

Some of the best areas to live near King’s College London are Covent Garden and South Bank.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in central London. It is close to various prestigious academic institutions, such as KCL, UCL, and LSE. Many luxury Covent Garden apartments are also available for wealthy international students for short or long stays.

Living in Covent Garden means having walkable access to some of the most exclusive restaurants, theatres and shopping centres in London. There is also so much to do in Covent Garden. You can visit the Royal Opera House or explore the iconic Covent Garden market and taste different foods while shopping.

Students in Covent Garden can also explore other parts of London via the Covent Garden station. There are also many bus routes and private transport services to take you around the neighbourhood.

South Bank

Located along the picturesque River Thames, South Bank is a dynamic area known for its cultural attractions, including the Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre. KCL students living here can easily walk to campus via Waterloo Bridge and also benefit from excellent transport links, riverside views, and a lively social scene.

Living on the South Bank means being in the heart of London’s cultural scene. The riverside views are spectacular, and the area has a lively, vibrant atmosphere. You will find various cafes, restaurants, and bars along the river, offering plenty of options for dining and socializing. The nearby Borough Market is also a fantastic spot for fresh produce and artisanal foods.

South Bank is exceptionally well-connected. Waterloo station is a major transport hub, offering access to the Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Waterloo & City lines, and national rail services. Cycling is also popular in the area. There is a mix of accommodation options, from university halls of residence to private rentals. These accommodations can be pricey, but the convenience and vibrant lifestyle make it a worthwhile investment for many master’s students.

Imperial College London (ICL)

As one of the most prestigious universities in Central London and beyond, the Imperial College welcomes thousands of international students each year.

Some of the best areas to live near Imperial College London are South Kensington and Chelsea.

South Kensington

South Kensington is the heart of Imperial College London’s main campus, making it the most convenient location for university students. The campus is located right in the middle of the area, and many students can walk to their lectures in just a few minutes.

The area is famous for its museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum, all of which are within walking distance. The neighbourhood also has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, with options ranging from affordable student-friendly spots to high-end dining experiences. Nearby grocery stores, including a large Waitrose and several smaller convenience stores, provide everything needed for day-to-day living.

South Kensington is well connected with South Kensington station serving the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, offering direct access to central London, the West End, and other parts of the city. Students in the area live in on-campus accommodation or private rentals and shared apartments. While South Kensington is generally an affluent area, there are still affordable housing options, particularly in shared accommodations or university-affiliated housing.

Chelsea

Chelsea is located just to the south and southwest of South Kensington. It is a prime neighbourhood in central London, a mere 8 minutes from Imperial College. Depending on where you live in Chelsea, it can be a 15 to 25-minute walk to the main campus, or a short bus or bike ride away.

The neighbourhood is renowned for its upscale amenities, offering cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, and boutiques along the famous King’s Road. It is also home to several art galleries, antique shops, and the Chelsea Physic Garden. There are also several bus routes and nearby Underground stations, including Sloane Square (Circle and District lines) and South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines), so commuting within and out of the area is easy.

Accommodation in Chelsea can be more expensive due to the area’s prestigious reputation. Students can find private rentals ranging from shared apartments to more luxurious flats. While Chelsea doesn’t have as many purpose-built student accommodations as areas like South Kensington, for example, its proximity to Imperial College and the quality of life it offers make it a desirable choice for students who can afford it.

London School of Economics (LSE)

LSE is situated in the heart of London and is particularly popular among international students who want to study for masters or summer programs there.

Some of the best areas to live near LSE are Holborn and Covent Garden.

Holborn

Positioned in the heart of central London, Holborn is an ideal location for students attending the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The campus is just a short walk away, taking 5-10 minutes.

The area is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Supermarkets and grocery stores are also readily available, and the nearby West End offers extensive shopping opportunities. For students who need study spaces, the area is close to LSE’s library, the British Library, and other academic resources in Bloomsbury.

Holborn is very well connected to other parts of London via the Holborn Station. Several bus routes also pass through the area, and the nearby Tottenham Court Road station offers access to the Elizabeth Line for even faster connections across the city. There are many accommodation options suitable for students, from LSE-affiliated student halls to private rentals. Given its central location, housing can be more expensive, but many students opt for shared flats or rooms in student residences to keep costs manageable.

Covent Garden

Affluent international students who want to live as close to LSE as possible will love living in Covent Garden apartments. Located a mere 5 minutes from LSE, this neighbourhood has much to offer in terms of luxury student accommodations, iconic landmarks and premium shopping opportunities.

All these private student apartments offer luxury, hotel-style amenities for masters students in London. Some of these amenities are:

• private concierge

• on-site gym/wellness centre

• pool and sauna

• underfloor heating

• elevator

• rooftop terrace

• outdoor patio

And many more. You can book your ideal Master’s student accommodation in London here

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do most students in London live?

Most students in London live in private student accommodations in Holborn, Mayfair, Kensington, Covent Garden, etc., and other central London neighbourhoods near campus. Explore private student accommodation London on Student Luxe.

Where do you live when doing a Masters?

Masters students live in luxury student accommodations near campus and in central London. Explore and book your ideal student accommodation on Student Luxe.

Wrapping Up

Most master’s students in London live in Holborn, Covent Garden, Kensington, South Bank, etc., and other central London neighbourhoods close to campus. You can access the most private, flexible, and luxurious master’s student accommodation on Student Luxe. 

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