Where Do Most UCL Students Live?
UCL student accommodation
UCL students live in on-campus student residences or UCL private accommodation options in neighbourhoods near campus.
Certain factors come into play when considering your different UCL accommodation options, with budget being the main one.
UCL’s main campus on Gower Street is located in the Zone 1 area of Bloomsbury. This is a very central London area, and private accommodation options within walking distance come at a certain price tag.
The official UCL accommodation page divides their halls of residence options by London Zones, and the price tag is based on how recently they’ve been refurbished (or not).
For example, as of 30 July 2024, a large studio in UCL’s Astor College building in Zone 1 would cost £414.47 per week for 39 weeks (from 21 September 2024 to 1 June 2025). This Fitzrovia location is just a 10-minute walk away from UCL’s main campus.
Bernard Johnson House is a Zone C, Band 4 option at a lower rate of £232 per week for the same length of stay. However, this Finchley location requires a 40-minute commute to the university.
UCL’s Main Campus on Gower Street
We are now going to explore the main London areas where most UCL students choose to live.
For this post, we will discuss private accommodation options—not the official UCL halls of residence, which we have linked to previously.
Key Takeaways
When choosing where to live near University College London, prioritize accommodation options within walking distance or with easy access to UCL's campuses for convenience and reduced commuting time.
Look for areas near your accommodation with necessary amenities, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and recreational facilities, to meet your daily needs and enhance your student experience.
For a well-rounded student life, consider the vibrant student communities and cultural attractions in areas surrounding UCL, such as Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, and Camden.
On Student Luxe, you can access and book the best private UCL accommodation options for your studies. These luxury student apartments are located in the best neighbourhoods in London, close to UCL. You can explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
Where Do Students At UCL Live?
As stated earlier, some UCL students live in neighbourhoods like Bloomsbury, Camden, Fitzrovia, etc., that are close to campus in Central London.
Let’s explore these areas.
Bloomsbury
Proximity to UCL: UCL's main campus is in Bloomsbury, making it the perfect location for students who prefer a short commute to lectures and campus facilities.
Transportation Links: Bloomsbury benefits from excellent transportation links, with several Tube stations, bus routes, and bike lanes providing easy access to other parts of London.
Amenities: The area offers a wide range of amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and green spaces like Russell Square Gardens, ensuring that students have everything they need within walking distance.
Fitzrovia
Proximity to UCL: Fitzrovia is within walking distance of UCL's main campus, allowing students to reach their classes conveniently.
Transportation Links: Fitzrovia provides students with excellent transportation connections, with nearby Tube stations such as Goodge Street and Warren Street providing access to various parts of the city.
Amenities: Fitzrovia has a vibrant culinary scene, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars offering diverse cuisines. Students can also find supermarkets, pharmacies, and cultural attractions like art galleries and theatres nearby.
Holborn
Proximity to UCL: Holborn is in central London, a short distance from UCL's main campus, offering students a convenient location with easy access to university facilities.
Transportation Links: Transportation links like Holborn and Russell Square Tube stations are nearby, along with multiple bus routes serving the area.
Amenities: The neighbourhood has all the necessary amenities, including shops, eateries, fitness centres, and entertainment venues. Students can explore the British Museum and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Covent Garden.
Camden
Proximity to UCL: Camden is slightly further from UCL's main campus but remains easily accessible by public transport, making it a popular choice for students seeking a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.
Transportation Links: Camden offers excellent transportation connections, with Camden Town and Mornington Crescent Tube stations providing access to central London and beyond. Additionally, bus routes and cycle lanes offer alternative transportation options.
Amenities: Camden is known for its shops, markets, live music venues, and street food stalls. Students can enjoy a range of cultural and recreational activities, from exploring Camden Market to attending gigs at iconic music venues like the Roundhouse.
Stratford
Proximity to UCL: Although located farther east, Stratford is well-connected to UCL's main campus via public transport, with frequent Tube and Overground services providing convenient access to central London.
Transportation Links: Stratford’s transportation links include major rail and bus stations, as well as Stratford International for Eurostar services. The area is also served by several Tube lines, making it easy for students to travel around the city.
Amenities: Stratford offers a wide range of amenities, including shopping centres like Westfield Stratford City, restaurants, cinemas, parks, and cultural attractions like the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
North Kensington
Proximity to UCL: North Kensington is located approximately 3.5 miles from UCL, making it relatively easy to reach the campus. The commute from this apartment typically takes around 20-30 minutes by public transport, depending on traffic and specific starting points within the neighbourhood.
Transportation Links: The neighbourhood is well-served by several Underground stations, including Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines. These lines provide direct routes to key locations such as King’s Cross St. Pancras, which is within walking distance of the UCL campus.
Amenities: North Kensington is home to a wide array of shops, supermarkets, and local markets, including the famous Portobello Road Market. It also has tons of parks for relaxation and exercise.
King’s Cross
Proximity to UCL: King's Cross is just a 5-minute bus ride from University College London (UCL) main campus. The proximity allows for easy and quick daily commutes to campus.
Transportation Links: King's Cross is one of London's major transportation hubs, offering excellent connectivity. The King's Cross St Pancras station provides access to six London Underground lines, national rail services, and the Eurostar.
Amenities: The area is rich in amenities, with various restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural venues like the British Library.
Safety Tips for UCL Students
UCL Accommodation
Although UCL and its surrounding areas are very safe for students, it never hurts to be careful and aware of your surroundings.
Keep your belongings secure by using locks on your bags, backpacks, and bicycles, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items unnecessarily.
Use well-lit and populated routes when travelling, particularly after dark, and consider using public transportation or trusted concierge services instead of walking alone late at night.
Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and the locations of nearby police stations, hospitals, and UCL security offices, so you know where to seek help if needed.
Be cautious when socializing with new acquaintances and avoid sharing personal information or accepting drinks from strangers, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Stay connected with friends, family, or trusted contacts and let them know your whereabouts and plans, particularly if you're attending events or travelling alone.
Trust your instincts and avoid situations or individuals that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and don't hesitate to seek assistance or leave if you feel threatened or at risk.
Stay informed about local safety concerns or incidents by subscribing to UCL's safety alerts or following relevant social media channels or news outlets for updates and advisories.
Consider joining or forming student safety groups or initiatives to promote awareness, share resources, and support each other in maintaining a safe and secure environment on campus and in the surrounding area.
Wrapping Up
UCL students live in different neighbourhoods in Central London, such as Bloomsbury, Camden, Holborn, etc., located close to the campus. On Student Luxe, you can access the most private, flexible, and luxurious UCL accommodations in these different neighbourhoods.
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