Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager
London is among the most popular destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK. The number of Indian students studying in London has seen significant growth, with the surge positioning India as the second-largest international student market in London, overtaking the US, which has dropped to third place. However, accommodation in London is costly, and finding a place that fits your budget while offering good living conditions can be a challenge. According to 2024 surveys, the average rent in London for students is around £971 per month, which can vary based on location, room type, and amenities. For instance, students at University College London (UCL) pay an average of £893, while those at Imperial College London might pay about £814
Types of Accommodation in London
Students in London, particularly at universities like University College London (UCL), King’s College, and Imperial College, face rents ranging from £600 to over £1,500 per month depending on location, room type, and amenities
| Accommodation Type | Description | Average Rent per Month (GBP) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Halls of Residence | University-owned buildings, usually close to campus. | £800 - £1,200 | Convenient, social | Limited availability, can be pricey |
| Private Halls | Independent student housing, often with modern amenities. | £800 - £1,500 | Modern, well-maintained | More expensive |
| Shared Flats/Houses | Rent a house or flat with other students. | £500 - £900 (per room) | Cheaper, independence | Shared responsibilities |
| Homestay | Stay with a local family, often with meals included. | £600 - £900 | Cultural experience, meals included | Less privacy |
| Private Rentals | Rent an entire flat or studio. | £1,000 - £2,500+ | Full control | Expensive, especially in Central London |
Bhavesh Bhagat from the London School of Economics shares his experience:
"LSE has licensed vendors for accommodation. I paid around £800 per month, including utilities like Wi-Fi and laundry services. The accommodations were great, but the rooms were tiny. Public transport was essential since the accommodations were 6-7km from the campus."
Private studio apartment in London
Rent Comparison Across Areas
Rents in central locations like Bloomsbury and Euston are higher, ranging from £800 to £2,500 per month, while outer areas like East London and Croydon offer more affordable rents around £600 to £900.
| Area | Average Rent (GBP) | Distance from Central London | Nearby Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central London | £1,200 - £2,000 | 0-15 mins | UCL, KCL, LSE |
| East London | £600 - £1,200 | 25-35 mins | Queen Mary University |
| North London | £800 - £1,500 | 20-30 mins | Middlesex University |
| South London | £700 - £1,300 | 30-45 mins | Goldsmiths, University of Greenwich |
| West London | £900 - £1,700 | 25-40 mins | Imperial College London |
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Devyani Koparde, a student at King's College London, adds: "Many Indian students stay in Stratford because it’s affordable and has a community atmosphere. My rent was £1,000 per month, and I found the accommodation at Eleanor Rosa House through the University of London portal. It was around 35 minutes from the campus, which was manageable." |
Eleanor Rosa House, an accommodation operated by UCL
Sharing Options: A More Affordable Choice
Sharing accommodations is the most budget-friendly option for many students. The rent prices for shared accommodations are:
| Accommodation Type | Rent per Room (GBP) | Sharing Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Flat (3-4 students) | £500 - £700 | Shared kitchen & bathroom |
| House Share (5-6 students) | £450 - £650 | Shared common areas |
| Twin Room (2 students) | £400 - £550 | Shared bedroom |
For students looking to share a flat or house, East London and Wembley are popular areas with rents starting at £500 per month.
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Bhoomi Dubey from King's College London emphasizes the importance of location: "I stayed in an ensuite room shared with six others, paying £1,360 per month overall. The location was about 30 minutes from the campus, but it was the nearest option available. Applying early and considering transportation costs is crucial." |
Popular Areas Preferred by Indian Students
London offers several budget-friendly areas outside the city center that are well connected by public transport. Below are some of the more affordable areas:
| Area | Average Monthly Rent (GBP) | Transport Time to Central London | Transport Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barking | £500 - £800 | 35 mins | Tube (District Line) |
| Croydon | £550 - £850 | 45 mins | Train, Bus |
| Stratford | £600 - £900 | 25 mins | Tube (Central Line) |
| Lewisham | £600 - £850 | 30 mins | Train, Bus |
| Wembley | £600 - £850 | 25 mins | Tube (Metropolitan Line) |
These areas provide access to public transport, making commuting to universities relatively easy.
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Diksha, a student at the University of West London, shared: "I lived with an Indian family in Wembley, paying £500 per month, which included utilities. It was a positive experience, but I advise students to be cautious of scams, especially when using platforms like Facebook Marketplace." |
Cheapest Accommodation Areas in London
Certain areas offer cheaper rents, making them attractive for students on a tighter budget. Here's a list of some budget-friendly areas:
| Area | Average Monthly Rent (GBP) | Distance to City Center | Public Transport Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barking | £500 - £800 | 35 mins | District Line, Buses |
| Croydon | £600 - £850 | 45 mins | Trains, Buses |
| Walthamstow | £650 - £850 | 30 mins | Victoria Line, Overground |
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for accommodation, students should also factor in extra costs:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water) | £50 - £100 |
| Internet & TV | £30 - £50 |
| Transport | £80 - £150 |
| Groceries | £150 - £250 |
For private rentals, utilities are often not included in rent, which adds another £100 - £150 per month to living costs
Indian Students' Accommodation Experiences in London
Some of the ways to manage living expenses while studying in one of the world’s most expensive cities are:
1. Cost Awareness and Budgeting
Many Indian students prioritize budgeting when selecting accommodation. For instance, Bhavesh Bhagat, studying at the London School of Economics, pays approximately £800 per month for a space that covers essentials. He advises: "London is expensive, and your comfort with sharing will determine your costs."
2. Proximity to University and Transportation
Bhoomi Dubey, a student at King’s College London, notes that her accommodation, located 30 minutes from campus, was the closest and most practical option. She emphasizes that students should consider transportation costs when evaluating cheaper accommodation further away from their university.
3. Sharing and Community Living
Many Indian students opt for shared living arrangements to manage costs. Diksha, studying at the University of West London, lived as a paying guest with an Indian family in Wembley, paying £500 monthly for a setup that included utilities. She advises students to be cautious of scams when searching for shared housing.
4. Recommendations for Future Students
Students like Bhoomi Dubey recommend applying for housing as early as possible, preferably through university-provided platforms. She advises checking accommodation locations carefully to avoid long and expensive commutes.
5. Caution Against Scams
Diksha stresses the importance of avoiding scams, warning against platforms like Facebook Marketplace, which can have fraudulent listings. She advises making payments only after verifying the legitimacy of the accommodation: "Never make an advance payment unless you are absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the arrangement."
Finding the right accommodation in London can be challenging, but with early planning and the right resources, you can secure affordable housing that suits your needs. Whether you choose to live in a shared flat, homestay, or private hall, each option offers its own set of advantages. Make sure to prioritize proximity to your university, public transport links, and your budget when making a decision.
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