About the author: Hi, I’m Sophie. I’m currently in my final year at Brunel University, studying Creative Writing. You can always find me writing or reading a good book. Hopefully, you enjoy reading my articles and learn something new.
Heading to university in London this year? Well then, hopefully this article found you at the right time. The capital is jam-packed with exciting, vibrant, and quirky spots to live. From the unique streets of Camden in the North West to the famous views in Greenwich in the city’s southern part, there’s bound to be a home to suit your needs.
However, before deciding which London area to live in, it’s important we cover how to choose the right area to live in. I’ve managed to narrow down what factors to consider when choosing the right area for you down to three. Commute, budget and social life.
Considerations when choosing the best areas to live in London as a student
Commute
Your commute to university from the area you choose to live in during the term should play an important role when deciding where to live. Ideally you’d want to live in an area that’s no more than a half-hour walk away, or a forty-five-minute bus/train journey. This is because you’ll be spending plenty of time on campus learning or studying, so travelling a long distance wouldn’t be ideal. Also, living nearby would decrease your chances of being late to lectures by much less.
Budget
Almost every adult at some point fantasises about their dream home to live in, but being a student it’s important that you ground yourself in reality. That’s not to say you can’t live in a nice student accommodation, but that does mean you’re now challenged with finding somewhere to live that you can afford. When looking for the right area to live in, check the rent price and whether bills are included. You definitely do not want to face the threat of eviction because your heart was set on an accommodation out of your budget.
Social life and amenities
So you’ve found a place within a reasonable distance to your university campus, and it’s within your budget. But what does it have to offer you outside of that? Amenities and social life are often neglected factors for students when choosing student accommodation.
For example, are there any study spots nearby like a local café or library? Students ideally should want to be near social hubs such as parks, gyms, and restaurants. Looking for accommodation in an area with a high student population should also be a part of every student's criteria when home searching.