A Guide to Find Luxury Student Accommodation in London

London is a bustling city with rich history and vibrant culture that attracts students from around the world for its top-tier education. With a huge number of students coming in every year, finding the right accommodation in London can be challenging. There are numerous housing options available, including student halls, shared accommodation and serviced apartments. With so much information to consider, how should  you locate the best student housing in London? To help you make the decision, here’s a guide of things to consider when looking for student living and why luxury student accommodation in London is a must-have choice!

Types of London student accommodation in London

Student halls

Student halls are managed by universities and are quite a popular choice among first-year undergrads. Students typically share a communal flat with 4-6 others, including a living area, kitchen, and bathroom in addition to their own bedroom. These are ideal for those who enjoy socializing, however, they may not be suitable if you need peace and quiet for studying. Be noted that the lease term for most student halls in the UK is typically for a full academic year, which is around 40 weeks. This does not allow students to adjust the stay to their needs, whether for a longer academic program or moving out with friends. Finally, the rules and regulations of the student halls such as curfews and restrictions on guests may be restrictive and limit your freedom.

Studio

A studio typically consists of a single room that includes a  bedroom, living room, and kitchenette and bathroom. It is a popular option among students as it allows your own space without having to share it with anyone else. However, most studio comes in a compressed sized, so they might be limited in terms of space for furniture or belongings and it can also be difficult to have friends over or to host gatherings. 

Sharing Accommodation

This involves a private rental home or flat share, with two or more tenants sharing a kitchen, living room and bathroom while each having their own bedroom, where rent and utility bills are split between them. Sharing accommodation can be a great way of cost saving, however potential conflicts and  disagreements over the use of shared spaces, differences in sleeping patterns, lifestyle or clashes in daily routine can lead to persistent discomfort. 

Serviced apartments/residences

Serviced apartments or residences are fully furnished accommodations that offer a range of amenities and services, similar to what you might expect from a hotel, such as housekeeping, and 24-hour concierge, some might have recreation facilities such as a gym and sauna. One of the main advantages of serviced apartments is that they are fully-furnished with a kitchen, living room, and bathroom, with one or more bedrooms. With the added amenities and conveniences, serviced apartments may come at a higher price compared to other housing options, but they are a valuable investment for those seeking a comfortable and hassle-free living experience. Additionally, serviced apartments can be rented for either short or long-term depending on your own needs. 

Costs of living in London

When looking for student accommodation in London, it's important to consider the cost of living in the city. London is known for being an expensive place to live, especially for students. Some of the costs to consider include rent, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment. 

Rent is likely to be the biggest expense, and it can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and the location. Utility bills, including electricity, gas, water and internet, can vary depending on usage habits, the number of occupants and the size of the house. Generally, this cost can add up to a significant amount each month nowadays. In the case of staying in serviced apartment, the bills are all included in the rent, otherwise, it’s important to budget for these additional expenses if you opt for private rental.

Transportation costs can also add up quickly, especially if you use public transport regularly. Expenses on food and entertainment also vary depending on personal habits and interests. Cooking for yourself is budget-friendly, or London has wide range of options from local eateries to high-end restaurants for dining out. In terms of entertainment, there are also plenty of free or concessional options for students, including museums, parks and galleries to choose from. Staying close to your university or in a central area where eateries, restaurants, supermarkets, parks, museums and galleries are within walking distance can be a good compromise for transportation costs. 

Overall, your choice of accommodation in London highly influences your living expenses when looking for student accommodation in London -  it's important to consider not just the rent, but also whether the furniture, facilities, recreation or utilities bills are included and the offerings nearby. Opting for all-inclusive accommodation can help ensure that you can make the most of your time in London without breaking the bank.

Amenities & Features of Serviced Apartments as Luxury London Student Accommodation

There are more amenities and rooms for flexibility if you go for off-campus student housing in London. In most of the serviced apartments, all rooms and apartments are designed to suit the student’s needs with various features and amenities like:

• Spacious bedrooms with plush beds, wardrobes, TV
• Bathroom with bath/shower or walk-in shower
• Fully-equipped kitchen and dining area with dish washer
• Living room/space with home entertainment (TV, sound systems)
• Workspace for students
• Self-controlled heaters, air-conditioners
• On-site laundry facilities
• Weekly housekeeping
• In-house gym, sauna
• View/access to courtyard, private terrace
• 24/7 CCTV surveillance and security
• High-speed internet access
• Direct airport transfer

Additionally, many serviced apartments in London are located in prime areas close to universities, shops, and other amenities, making it a desirable option for students who value location and quality living.

Benefits of living in Serviced Apartments for students in London

There are quite many benefits of housing in serviced apartments for students, here are some of the main ones:

• Enjoy your own personal space, and make your apartment your own
• Feeling secure and undisturbed would allow you to focus on your study or daily tasks
• With many amenities available in house, you will save time and money on basic housework for other interests and hobbies
• With a designated workspace in the apartment, you can concentrate on studying at home when needed
• With all utility bills included, you do not have to worry about the fluctuating expenses every month, especially on electricity in the winter months
• Reducing travel time between the apartment and the university or shops and restaurants will be a major convenience

Best Luxury Student Accommodation in London

Fraser Suites Kensington, London

Fraser Suites Kensington is a luxury serviced apartment just a 3-minute walk to Gloucester Road Station, connecting to the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. This modern and luxurious student accommodation in London provides a range of options from studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Surrounded by restaurants, supermarkets, and famous attractions like Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens and Palace and Hyde Park, the accommodation is well-placed for all forms of entertainment. 

‍Amenities: you'll find the best student-centric amenities like an exclusive on-site gym, steam and sauna, laundry facilities and regular housekeeping. Additionally, there are electronic key entry systems, 24/7 digital concierge and security, private balconies in some apartments, special access to a beautiful private garden, and all-inclusive utility bills. What’s more, the apartments are pet friendly so you can have your beloved furry friends accompanied while living aboard.

Nearby Universities: Imperial College London, Royal College of Art, Samford University, Boston University - London, Pepperdine University

Fraser Suites Queens Gate, London

Fraser Suites Queens Gate is another excellent luxury student accommodation in London, right opposite to Fraser Suites Kensington, but available for both long and short stays. Offering a range of sizes from deluxe studio, to one- and two-bedrooms units with high ceilings and tall pillars, complemented by full suite facilities like kitchenette, dining and living area, the apartments provide contemporary living with a modern British accent.

Amenities: Modern 24/7 gym, round-the-clock reception and concierge service, business centre, lobby bar and a lovely private outdoor patio, your home away from home awaits.

Nearby Universities: Imperial College London, Royal College of Art, Samford University, Boston University - London, Pepperdine University

Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace, London

Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace is a serviced apartment located in the upscale neighbourhood of Kensington, London. It offers a range of spacious accommodation options suitable long-term stays, from three-, four-bedroom apartments to penthouse. The apartments accommodate more guests,  which is great if you want to stay with a group of friends, or you are planning to invite family members to visit during your studies. 

Amenities: separate living, dining, fully-equipped kitchen and bedroom areas, air conditioning, comprehensive home entertainment system, 24/7 concierge services, with recreation facilities of gym, sauna and steam room in the vicinity and a car park. 

Nearby Universities: Richmond The American International University in London, Royal College of Art, Imperial College London, Pepperdine University

Other Fraser Residence properties in London

Other sister properties of Fraser Residence in East London also offers a range of luxury serviced apartments in different locations, including Fraser Residence Monument, Fraser Residence Bishopsgate, Fraser Residence Blackfriars, and Fraser Residence City. These apartments are ideal for long-term stays, offering modern amenities and stylish interiors to make your stay in London as comfortable as possible. Each location is situated in a prime area of the city, providing easy access to the top attractions, dining, and shopping destinations.

Nearby Universities: King's College London, Coventry University London, Newcastle University London, Northumbria University - London, Anglia Ruskin University, London

(click here to view on Google map)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I start looking for student accommodation in London?

It is recommended to start your search for student accommodation in London as soon as you have made the decision on your university to attend in the city. London is a high-demand location for accommodation, especially for long term stay, so it is important to begin your search early to have the best chance of finding the right place that meets your needs and preferences. 

What are the best areas for students to live in London?

London is a city with variety of neighbourhoods, offers everything you  need for an exciting student life regardless of where you reside. Popular areas like Kensington, City of London, Spitalfields, Mayfair are some known for their cultural diversity with historic landmarks, beautiful parks and vibrant markets and modern malls. However, the best area for students will also depend on personal preferences and needs, such as proximity to the university, budget, and lifestyle.

What should be considered when finding London student accommodation?

When searching for London student accommodation, it is important to consider these factors:

• Location and proximity to your university, as well as the local amenities and transport links
• Cost and what is included in the rent, such as utility bills and internet access
• Amenities and additional features that are important to you, such as laundry facilities, gym, gardens, pet-friendliness, parking
• Safety and security of the accommodation 
• Reputation and reviews of the accommodation provider to ensure that you are booking with a reliable company