Best Neighborhoods in London for Students
Coming up: work-friendly cafes, famous libraries, making friends, saving money, eating on a budget, running in parks, a surprising number of canteens, and the best 5 neighborhoods in London for students.
London is home to around 40 universities (approximately 25% of all the universities in the UK!), so it’s one of the world’s most popular study relocation hubs.
And because it’s one of the planet’s most fun-packed cities (with a diverse population, world-class nightlife, and lots of things to do), it’s a perfect place to spend a few years.
So, it’s no surprise: many people move to London to study, and wind up living there for the rest of their lives! Don’t be surprised if the same thing happens to you.
But: are there any affordable neighborhoods? Where will I make friends? Where’s the best nightlife? How can I quickly and easily find a new home? And what if I want some non-touristy vibes?
Want to know where to live in London as a student? Coming up, your apartment-hunting friends at Homelike have covered it all. On we go!
Dalston
Dalston is a hip and happening up-and-coming area.
It’s one of the city’s trendiest fun-packed districts, but without the high prices you find in similarly-hip areas like Shoreditch and Camden (two popular neighborhoods we’ll be talking about soon).
Sitting in northeastern London, Dalston is central enough to be well-connected, but juuuust not-central enough to be untouristy.
In some ways, Dalston is like a little microcosm of London as a whole:
It’s rugged, multicultural (offering food and people from around the planet), and home to lots of independent stores and thrift shops. You also get small music venues, pop-up food and drink, and many big and small pubs. Here, you’ll find students, newbies, lifelong locals, old people, young people, and everyone in between.
In short, not just one of the best neighborhoods in London for students—but one of the best neighborhoods in London for everyone!
Note: yes, Dalston is a little gritty, but that’s part of its charm—it’s friendly, welcoming, safe, and completely unpretentious.
Rental Prices in Dalston
You should be able to find your own small apartment here for around £1,800 to £2,500 per month.
A room in a house share should cost between £1,000 and £1,500 per month.
But, a quick note: in Dalston, you’ll probably struggle to find a nice place to live. The good apartments here are snapped up FAST—and the subpar ones left over are often overpriced.
So: if you struggle to find a place in Dalston, move into one of ours instead. They’re ready today, they’re perfect for living and studying, they’re fully-furnished, and all utilities (including internet!) are already organized for you.
Affordable Eateries in Dalston
The authentic eats at no-frills Korat Thai Cafe are super popular (and you can bring your own booze for only £3!), while canteen-style Pepper & Spice serves incredible Caribbean food.
Other cheap chow-down spots offer Mexican, Turkish and Indian meals… and you’ll always find street-style markets selling fruits, vegetables, and snacks.
For cheap eats, this is one of the best neighborhoods in London as a student.
Study-Friendly Cafes and Libraries in Dalston
Moonshot Coffee is popular, welcoming, and right on the neighborhood’s main road, while the massive and spacious Allpress Espresso is home to an on-site roastery (and serves up some of Dalston’s best coffee).
DNA Cafe Bar is a good work spot (though often very busy), and transforms into a bar at night.
There are many libraries in and around the neighborhood. Dalston CLR James Library is the best-known option, and has friendly staff and a silent work-specific room.
So: if you want to know where to live in London as a student—AND you’re looking for plenty of places to work—Dalston sits right in the middle of your Venn diagram.
A quick note on London’s laptop-friendly cafes as a whole: London has LOTS of cafes, and many of them are work-friendly (working in cafes is a big thing in England’s capital). But if you have any morals, you can’t sit for hours on one cup of coffee.
… so: good news: London is also full of Starbucks branches (there are two in Dalston alone!). If you want to sit for a while without spending lots of money, these Starbucks branches are probably your best option.
Fitness Facilities and Parks in Dalston
London is VERY green…
… but Dalston is one of its least-green neighborhoods. Yep, you get some small parks in and around the area, but nothing particularly exciting. For parks and outdoor fun, this is NOT one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
Like in any other district, you’ll find plenty of gyms and yoga studios in Dalston. If you want to avoid the chains, and train somewhere serious, your best option is Legends Gym.
Shoreditch
Sitting just a 30-minute walk south of Dalston, Shoreditch is arty, independent, and hip. It’s very similar to its nearby neighbor, but more upmarket, and even more trendy.
Most people who live here are young tech professionals—and many of the neighborhood’s residents are from other parts of the UK.
It’s more central than Dalston, and a little less multicultural.
Rental Prices in Shoreditch
The ‘affordable’ places in Shoreditch are between £2,000 and £3,000 per month (some are much more expensive). It’s possible to find a slightly-cheaper home if you’re happy to live in a little box.
A room in a Shoreditch house share will cost you around £1,000 per month… but for this price, you’ll need to be very patient.
Affordable Eateries in Shoreditch
The excellent FAB Thai Street Food serves up pick-your-own portions in a canteen-style setting, while the taste-packed Pizza Pilgrims is a HUGELY popular pizza joint. You’ll find many affordable and informal Vietnamese places just north of the neighborhood.
All that said, don’t get too excited: when we say ‘affordable’ in Shoreditch, we mean you’ll pay £10-£15 for a meal.
Because it’s so popular and trendy, this part of London is a pricey place… when they’re looking for where to live in London as a student, no-one considers Shoreditch an affordable area.
Study-Friendly Cafes and Libraries in Shoreditch
Ozone Coffee is one of the neighborhood’s best-known (and busiest!) work-friendly cafes, while the minimalist Origin Coffee is another big favorite (and specializes in single-origin brews).
The neighborhood’s big branch of Black Sheep Coffee is excellent for spending a few laptop-friendly hours, while the much-loved Paper and Cup x SCT is a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting the community and its people.
In short, when it comes to working from cafes, this is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
There are no libraries in Shoreditch, but plenty surrounding it.
Fitness Facilities and Parks in Shoreditch
Again, just like Dalston, Shoreditch isn’t very green.
Your nearest good green space is Victoria Park, while a stretch of Regent’s Canal runs between Shoreditch and Dalston. Both are excellent for short runs, and as start points for long runs (many Shoreditch residents jog along the banks of the canal for a few kilometers).
For indoor workouts, Shoreditch is a great choice—here, you’ll find many studios, gyms, personal trainers, yoga places, and much more. Many of the gyms are hip and trendy (and expensive!), but you’ll find a couple of affordable chain options too.
Bloomsbury
Home to buildings from both University College London AND University of London, Bloomsbury is of course one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
One of the city’s most central neighborhoods, perks of living here include quaint cafes and bookshops, a surprisingly-residential vibe, and lots of cultural venues (the British Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum both sit inside Bloomsbury).
But: just like in Dalston, it’s tough to find a place to live in Bloomsbury—it’s popular, the best places go fast, and landlords charge ridiculous prices for the leftover homes.
So, if you struggle, do what many others do: move into one of our apartments instead! They’re ready today, you don’t need to deal with landlords, they’re comfy and cozy, and all utilities and furniture are organized and sorted for you. Easy!
Rental Prices in Bloomsbury
Many properties here can cost £3,000 per month or more, but it’s possible (with patience!) to find a small studio of your own for under £2,000.
A room in a house share will likely cost you around £1,000 to 1,500 per month.
Affordable Eateries in Bloomsbury
You won’t find many cheap eateries here (well, apart from all the student canteens).
That said, two popular not-so-pricey options are Hiba Street Food (serving Lebanese and Palestinian eats), and the always-busy brunch-serving Sandwich Street Kitchen.
Study-Friendly Cafes and Libraries in Bloomsbury
Just outside Bloomsbury, you’ll find the world-famous British Library (which is also the UK’s officially-designated national library). Home to the Magna Carta, Sikh holy scriptures, ancient banknotes, and loads more iconic items, it’s still a work-friendly space!
Wellcome Library is another exhibit-offering study-friendly historic space, while there are many other ‘normal’ libraries in and around Bloomsbury. When it comes to working in good libraries, this is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
You’ll find some work-friendly cafes in Bloomsbury (including the speciality-coffee-serving Store Street Espresso), but most are too busy.
Fitness Facilities and Parks in Bloomsbury
There are many little parks inside Bloomsbury (including the popular Russell Square, and the equally-popular Brunswick Square Gardens).
The neighborhood’s streets are largely green and leafy (so it’s a nice place to run), and the HUGE Regent’s Park (home to a zoo, running trails, sports courts, wetlands, a big lake, and more) lies just outside the neighborhood.
There are many affordable chain gyms in and around Bloomsbury (like Fitness First, Pure Gym, and Anytime Fitness). But F45 Tottenham Court Road is your best pick for training somewhere a bit more exciting and inspiring.
All in all, for keeping fit, Bloomsbury is one of the best neighborhoods in London as a student.
Kentish Town
An underrated option, Kentish Town is eclectic and edgy, with a diverse range of residents, and many thrift stores and independent businesses. It sits on the northwestern edge of central London.
Because it’s not touristy, living in Kentish Town feels like you’re ‘really’ living in London. Arty, safe, quiet, and well-connected, it has a village-like vibe, but without sitting on the outskirts.
… and a nice bonus: just south of Kentish Town, you get Camden. So if you want Camden vibes without Camden prices, this is the place for you. Overall, for mixing plenty of fun with pockets of peace, Kentish Town is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
Rental Prices in Kentish Town
You should be able to find a reasonably-nice and reasonably-big 1-bedroom apartment for between £1,500 and £2,000 per month. A house share will cost around £700 to £800 per month.
Affordable Eateries in Kentish Town
Family-managed Rossella is great for authentic Italian food, Troy Cafe Restaurant is one of London’s best old-school greasy-spoon-style places, and Los Pollos is a good option for non-chain fast-food classics.
Here, you don’t get the same diversity of food that other neighborhoods offer… but if you want big portions on a genuinely-small budget, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in London as a student.
Study-Friendly Cafes and Libraries in Kentish Town
Homely and welcoming Neighbourhood Organic is VERY popular for working (with lots of big tables). Just up the road, Little Bear Cafe and Rustique Cafe sit opposite one another, and are both great for working.
Many of the cafes in Kentish Town have a very friendly and family-like feel.
Kentish Town Library lies right in the middle of the neighborhood, and there are many more libraries nearby.
Overall, for working in cafes and libraries, Kentish Town is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
Fitness Facilities and Parks in Kentish Town
Though there aren’t any major parks in Kentish Town, the neighborhood is sandwiched between two of the city’s best and biggest (Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park). Both are great for running, picnicking, and hanging out.
Other nearby outdoor highlights include Parliament Hill Fields Lido, and canalside stretches in Camden.
Aside from all the outdoor stuff, you’ll also find plenty of gyms, yoga studios, and pilates places.
Bethnal Green
Close to Queen Mary University of London (another of the city’s biggest universities!), Bethnal Green is overlooked and underrated.
Sitting in London’s east end, it lies just southeast of both Shoreditch and Dalston. Popular with young professionals and recent post-graduates, it offers a young vibe, lots of bars and cafes, many green spaces, and the Shoreditch atmosphere without the Shoreditch prices.
Busy and dense, other Bethnal Green highlights include a bustling non-touristy vibe, lots of independent stores (like the nearby Columbia Road Flower Market), an international vibe (including a large Bangladeshi community), and some unusual attractions (like the Vagina Museum, and the The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities).
For a fun few years among lifelong locals, Bethnal Green is one of the best neighborhoods in London as a student.
Rental Prices in Bethnal Green
It’s possible to find a nice 1-bedroom apartment in Bethnal Green for between £1,500 and £2,000 per month (but you’ll probably have to be patient!).
A room in a house share will likely cost you around £800 per month.
In summary, for saving money and staying central, this is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students.
Affordable Eateries in Bethnal Green
Want to know where to live in London as a student if you like cheap eats?
Well… not here!
Yep, you can find cut-price pubs, many kebab-offering takeaway joints, and some chicken shops. But if you want good food on a budget, this is not the place for you.
One well-known exception: Starlight Cafe is a popular no-frills retro spot, with big plates and low prices.
Study-Friendly Cafes and Libraries in Bethnal Green
La Tostadora Roastery has big tables, a friendly vibe, and excellent coffee. Cute and cozy The Beehive has work-friendly space in the basement (during certain hours).
You’ll also find many small artisan cafes running along Roman Road (one of the neighborhood’s main roads). But: although many of them serve great food and coffee, space can be limited. So don’t pitch up with your laptop during busy hours.
Bethnal Green is also home to both Mile End Library and Bethnal Green Library. Both have plenty of space for work.
Fitness Facilities and Parks in Bethnal Green
For finding plenty of green spaces, this is one of the best neighborhoods in London for students. Squirrel-packed Bethnal Green Gardens lies inside Bethnal Green, while the entirety of the neighborhood’s eastern side is bordered by parks and canals (including Mile End Park and Victoria Park).
This entire area (and beyond!) is great for running and cycling.
Inside the neighborhood, you’ll also find Mile End Climbing Wall and Bethwall Green Climbing Centre (two of the best climbing walls in London). Other indoor facilities here include many gyms and yoga studios, and the popular women’s-only Hyrox-affiliated StrongHer.
Best Neighborhoods in London for Students: Final Thoughts
Done—that’s everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in London for students!
To sum up, Shoreditch is the trendiest option, Kentish Town and Bethnal Green are good budget choices, Dalston is ideal for hipsters seeking an up-and-coming area, and Bloomsbury is best for good proximity to lots of university buildings (and classy study spaces).
So… if you didn’t know where to live in London as a student, you do now!
Before we go: as we’ve already mentioned, you might struggle to find a nice apartment in London (especially when you’re new to the city, and have no local friends!)
So, in the short term, it’s often easier to move into a serviced apartment or a serviced flat. Good news: all of ours are comfy and cozy, and ready right away—and we organize all furniture and utilities for you. A stress-free way to move into a stressful city!
Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Homelike, and enjoy living in London. See ya!
