The question - ‘Where do Royal College of Art students live?’ is very common among international students enrolled in the institution.

The Royal College of Art does not have student accommodation, so students often live in private student accommodations in Kensington, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Paddington, etc. These private accommodation options could be PBSAs, shared student housing, private accommodations managed by the University of London or luxury private rentals near campus.

In this post, we will explore the different neighbourhoods where Royal College of Art students live and spotlight some luxury apartments in these areas.

Key Takeaways

• Since RCA does not provide student accommodation, students must find private accommodations near campus. This could be PBSAs, shared housing or luxury rentals located near campus. Your choice will largely depend on your budget as some accommodation options are more expensive than others.

• Affluent international Royal College of Art students live in private luxury apartments near the institution in areas like Kensington, Paddington, Notting Hill, and Chelsea.

• These fully furnished apartments have flexible leases, perfect for international students who want to come and go as they please without hassle.

• On Student Luxe, you can book your private Royal College of Art accommodation well before you arrive in London. These apartments are located near campus, making it easy to commute to classes daily. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.

If you're a student at the Royal College of Art (RCA) looking for the perfect neighbourhood to call home, explore any of the following areas:

Kensington

Situated in West London, Kensington offers a mix of elegance and convenience for RCA students. The proximity to RCA (just a short walk) makes it easy for students to attend classes. Students living farther away can easily use the bus to reach campus.

Kensington is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in London. It has numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, so students have many options for dining and socializing. For those who enjoy cultural experiences, Kensington is rich in museums and galleries, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum—all just a stone’s throw away. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are also excellent green spaces for students to have outdoor study sessions or unwind and relax.

The public transport system in Kensington is excellent. Gloucester Road, South Kensington, and High Street Kensington tube stations provide easy access to the Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines for easy travel across London. For students who prefer cycling, the area is bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and docking stations.

Kensington offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to shared student houses. The area provides various choices for different budgets and preferences. Although the neighbourhood is known for its affluence, students can still find more affordable options, particularly in shared housing or student-specific accommodations.

Paddington

Located just north of Kensington, Paddington provides a convenient and well-connected living environment for RCA students. With Paddington Station offering access to multiple tube lines and national rail services, commuting to campus and exploring the city is easy. The commute to RCA typically takes around 15 minutes, allowing students to attend classes on time.

Paddington has many cafes, restaurants, and pubs where students can unwind or meet for group discussions. For those who enjoy shopping, Paddington offers both high-street stores and unique boutiques, providing plenty of options for retail therapy. It is also close to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for your dose of greenery and cultural spots, such as the Serpentine Galleries serve as sources of inspiration for RCA students.

Student accommodation options in Paddington range from converted period properties to modern developments. The area is known for its well-maintained properties, many of which offer modern and luxury amenities and facilities.

Notting Hill

Famous for its colourful houses, lively markets, and vibrant atmosphere, Notting Hill is a popular choice among RCA students. Situated west of Kensington, the neighbourhood offers excellent transport links via the Central, Circle, and District lines, as well as numerous bus routes. The area’s proximity to the Kensington campus means students can reach their classes with a quick bus ride, cycle, or even a leisurely walk through the stunning streets of West London.

Notting Hill is renowned for its vibrant amenities, from the famous Portobello Road Market, where students can explore unique shops, vintage finds, and street food, to many trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. The area also has many independent cinemas, art galleries, and bookstores, offering more than enough entertainment for RCA students.

Accommodation options in Notting Hill range from charming mews houses to contemporary flats. The prices can be quite on the high side but students can still find some budget-friendly options too. The neighbourhood’s residential areas are safe and very well-maintained.

Chelsea

As one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in London, Chelsea provides a sophisticated living environment for RCA students. It is close to the RCA's Battersea campus and has easy access to transport links, including the District line and numerous bus routes, so commuting to class is convenient, whether you choose to walk, cycle, or take public transport.

From high-end boutiques on King's Road to trendy cafes and essential services like grocery stores and gyms, everything is within reach in Chelsea. Art students will particularly appreciate the neighbourhood's numerous galleries and art supply stores and the proximity to the Saatchi Gallery.

Accommodation options in Chelsea include elegant period properties and modern apartments. While the neighbourhood is known for being upscale, various accommodation options are available for different budgets. Students can choose from shared flats, student housing, or even private rentals in the area.

Living in Chelsea allows students to enjoy a high standard of living while being close to RCA and all the artistic opportunities that London offers. You can also spend time in scenic green spaces like the Chelsea Embankment Gardens and Chelsea Physic Garden.

The gallery below showcases the top luxury student accommodation near RCA in Kensington, Notting Hill, Paddington and Chelsea.

These apartments redefine luxury student living in London and are perfect for international students with wealthy tastes.

Let’s explore them below.

Some amenities to expect from these luxury student Royal College of Art student accommodation units are:

• concierge service

• pool/sauna

• rooftop terrace

• on-site gym

• underfloor heating

• outdoor patio

• elevator

• some units are pet-friendly

And many more. Book your ideal RCA London accommodation now!

Wrapping Up

Royal College of Art students live in private student accommodation options in neighbourhoods like Paddington, Chelsea, Kensington and Notting Hill near campus. You can access the most private, flexible, and luxurious Royal College of Arts accommodation on Student Luxe. 

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