London is a popular destination for students from all over the world. However, one of the biggest concerns for them is finding affordable accommodation in this bustling city.
So, how much can a student expect to pay for a room in London? Let’s take a closer look.
Location Matters
It’s no secret that location plays a major role in determining the cost of accommodation in London. The closer you are to the city center or popular student areas like Camden and Shoreditch, the higher the rent will be. On average, students can expect to pay anywhere between £500-£800 per month for a room in these areas.
Zone 1
If you’re looking to live in Zone 1, which covers central London and many popular university campuses such as UCL and King’s College London, then you should expect to pay more than other zones. The average cost of a student room in Zone 1 is around £750-£1000 per month.
Zone 2
Zone 2 is still relatively central but slightly further out from the city center. Areas like Clapham, Brixton and Hackney fall under this zone and offer more affordable options for students. You can expect to pay between £600-£800 per month for a room in these areas.
Zone 3+
Moving further out from the city center into Zones 3 and beyond offers even more affordable options for students. Areas such as Stratford, Wembley and Wimbledon fall under these zones and offer rooms starting at around £400-£500 per month.
Type of Accommodation
The type of accommodation you choose also affects how much you’ll be paying per month. Here are some common options:
- Halls of residence: These are usually run by universities and offer a range of room options including shared rooms and en-suite rooms. Prices vary but on average you can expect to pay around £150-£250 per week.
- Shared houses: Sharing a house or flat with other students is a popular option.
Prices can vary depending on the number of people you’re sharing with, the size of the room and location. On average, you can expect to pay between £500-£800 per month.
- Studio flats: These are self-contained units with their own kitchenette and bathroom. Prices vary depending on location but expect to pay around £800-£1000 per month.
Other Costs to Consider
When budgeting for accommodation, it’s important to consider other costs like bills, food and transportation. Bills like electricity, gas and water are usually included in halls of residence but not always in shared houses or studio flats.
Food costs will depend on your lifestyle but budget around £40-£60 per week for groceries. Transportation costs will also vary depending on how far you need to travel but a monthly travel card for Zones 1-3 costs around £140.
In Conclusion
Finding affordable student accommodation in London is definitely possible if you’re willing to compromise on location or type of accommodation. It’s important to do your research beforehand and factor in all costs when budgeting. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to find a comfortable home away from home while studying in this exciting city.