Finding the perfect student accommodation for September 2025
Moving to London for university is one of the most exciting—and life-changing—moments in a young person’s life. Whether it’s your first time living away from home or you’re already familiar with the capital, finding the right place to live is the next big decision after securing your degree course.
London is a diverse, fast-moving city brimming with culture, attractions, and nightlife. But with so many choices, the accommodation hunt can feel overwhelming. The key is to start early, know your priorities, and lean on local expertise.
Deciding on Your Living Style
Before you start scrolling through endless property listings, it’s worth considering your living style. Do you want to share a flat or house, which can be more affordable and social but involves compromises on space and privacy? Or would you prefer to live alone, enjoying more independence but paying a higher cost?
Location is another major decision. For some students, being within a five-minute walk of campus is essential, while others are happy to commute for 20–30 minutes in exchange for more space or better value. The atmosphere of your chosen neighbourhood matters too—some areas are peaceful and residential, while others are vibrant and busy.
If you’re new to London, visiting your university’s area before committing can be invaluable. Walking around the surrounding streets will help you locate the nearest Tube stations and bus stops and give you a real sense of the neighbourhood’s personality. You might even discover that a journey you thought required public transport is actually a short walk past iconic London landmarks.
Budgeting for More than the Rent
Budgeting is about more than rent, so it’s important to make sure you’ll have enough for your ideal place. Bills for electricity, gas, water, and internet, as well as deposits, moving costs, and any required furniture, should all be factored in. You’ll also need to pay for rental insurance to protect your belongings. While students are often exempt from council tax, it’s important to check the rules in your borough.
Furnished or Unfurnished?
Another major question is does the rental need to be furnished? This brings us neatly to student furniture packs. Many companies package up the basic elements from beds to mattresses, wardrobes and those all-important desks.
Hudsons works with Space Consultancy to create an on-trend selection of furniture. Their Tier 1 pack costs £1,950 (excluding VAT) and combines all the essentials from a three-seater sofa and dining table to a bed and chest of drawers. Extras such as curtains can be added, plus it’s worth researching companies offering student discounts to help your budget stretch further.
Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Deciding which neighbourhood you want to live in is about finding the right lifestyle fit for you. Bloomsbury, for example, is a historic, academic hub, perfect for students at UCL, SOAS, Birkbeck, and University of London colleges. It offers leafy Georgian squares, world-class museums, and easy access via Russell Square and Goodge Street stations.
Marylebone has the charm of a village in the heart of the city, with chic cafés, independent boutiques, and Regent’s Park nearby. It’s stylish yet relaxed, and is served by Baker Street and Marylebone stations.
Covent Garden is the beating heart of London’s entertainment scene, ideal for students in the performing arts or media. Its lively streets are home to theatres, restaurants, and street performers, with quick connections from Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, whereas Fitzrovia blends old-world charm with creative energy, boasting art galleries, quirky cafés, and a buzzing nightlife. What’s more, you’ll find it all within walking distance of Soho and Oxford Street.
Ideal student properties
Upper Woburn Place, Bloomsbury £2,318pcm (£535pw)
This well planned recently redecorated studio apartment enjoys plenty of natural light with an appealing view of the sylvan surroundings from the large dual aspect windows. The apartment also features a separate kitchen and remarkably large bathroom. The flat is located at the rear of the building thus avoiding much of the traffic noise from the busy frontage. Endsleigh Court has a 24 hour staffed concierge and is located close to the transport hubs of Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations and ideal for UCL.
Martlett Court, Covent Garden £2,275pcm (£525pw)
A beautifully appointed modern one bedroom flat situated on the second floor of this landmark gated development moments from Covent Garden Piazza and The Royal Opera House. Located in a red brick period building which benefits from landscaped communal gardens. A perfect central Covent Garden pied-a-terre. Thoughtfully designed throughout the property offers comfortable accommodation in a traffic free location yet within close proximity of the myriad attractions of the area. Close to UCL and LSE.
Huntley Street, Bloomsbury £2,492pcm (£575pw)
Spacious high quality apartment within this attractive period property close to Warren Street Underground Station. This superior property offers a very high specification throughout and is offered furnished to a high standard. Ideal for quick access to the West End and UCL main campus.
Why Work with Hudsons?
The right accommodation offers comfort, community, and the freedom to enjoy everything London has to offer. With clear priorities, good preparation, and a trusted local agent, you can find your perfect London home in time and begin your university journey with confidence.
Hudsons provides the highest level of support. When you work with us, you’ll be assigned an agent who takes time to understand your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. We source properties that match your needs, arrange both virtual and in-person viewings, and guide you through legal and financial requirements, from contracts to deposits.
Why not get in touch to start your property search with us or browse our current listings here?
