WHEN making that all-important decision about which university to attend, there are a number of important factors to consider – What courses do they offer? Is it easy to get to? And more importantly, what is the social life like? When asking yourself these questions, there’s a strong chance that a university in London will become an option.
There are nearly 50 universities based in London, some of which are the best worldwide, and more than 30,000 different courses are available. With over 100,000 international students from over 200 different nations, London is the most popular student city in the world.
London could also be the ideal place to live if you’re a peoples’ person; with more than 350 live music venues, over 5,000 restaurants, and more than 7,000 bars and pubs, there are plenty of places to socialise with your new classmates.
But with all that London has to offer, its downfall is often that it can be expensive to live there. However, London has previously been voted the most cost-effective city for students in the UK, and there are plenty of things to do for free. But the Government has made an estimate that the average student will need roughly £100 per week on top of accommodation costs (depending on how much you socialise of course).
These are always opportunities to stay in private accommodation, but these can be expensive. Staying in halls of residence is a great way to settle into the city, meet people and make new friends, so here we have a list of five universities based in London with information about the costs of halls to give you an idea of what you’ll need to budget.
Flexible Accommodation for Part-Time Study
University of London is made up of nine specialist research institutes and 18 colleges, some of which are as little as a 15 minute drive away from the Centre of London. Birkbeck College in particular is in the Bloomsbury area, roughly 20 minutes from the centre. Birkbeck is the only institute within London that offers students the opportunity to complete full length degrees through evening classes, with most students studying part-time. There are accommodation options for full time or part time students, families and couples and also for students with disabilities. Rates start at only £82 per week for accommodation at Clandon House, which includes off street parking.
Transport Links from Further Afield
Imperial College is a science based university and is currently the 9th best university in the world. Eight of their nine campuses are located less than 40 minutes away from the centre of London and there are plenty of transport links to and from the city centre, such as buses, cycling and even a boat. The tube takes just over half an hour. The cheapest accommodation on offer is a twin en-suite located in Woodward Buildings for only £98 per week, and there are also options to have catering included.
On the Banks of the Thames
The London campus of the University of Greenwich is located on the banks of the River Thames, which is the perfect environment to inspire students. It’s only a 30 minute drive to London centre, but there are also buses and trains available. And if that wasn’t enough, there is also a boat service that travels from Westminster to Greenwich Pier! The university has four different halls of residence available that are within walking distance of the university and the student village. The accommodation costs start at £100 per week for a standard studio flat, and go up to £251.30 for an extra large studio style 2 bedroom flat. Other options such as en-suite study bedrooms fall between this price range.
Want to Live More Central? Twin Rooms are Cheapest
University College London is less than 20 minutes away from the city centre. With over 30,000 students from over 150 different countries, UCL is ranked as the 7th best university in the world. It is also located near and has teaching links with leading hospitals, museums, libraries and galleries. UCL has a number of different accommodation options, including residences for students with disabilities and students with families. Prices start at £102.97 per week for a twin room at the UCL Student House.
Close to International Travel Links
The University of East London has campuses based in Stratford and Docklands which are under an hour away from the city centre. The Docklands campus is located near to the O2 and London City Airport, and takes roughly 40 minutes to get to the centre on the Tube, and Stratford campus is near Westfield shopping centre and Stratford International rail station, roughly 30 minutes away from the centre. A free shuttle bus also runs between campuses. Accommodation costs start at £121.84 per week for an en-suite single room, and go up to £160.53 per week for a studio flat. There are also residential catering meal plans available.
