Live Near UCL? Full Housing Guide by Campus (Main, East, Management)
Are you coming to study at University College London (UCL) and not sure where to live? Whether you’re based at the Main Campus in Bloomsbury, UCL East in Stratford, or the UCL School of Management in Canary Wharf, this blog will walk you through the best areas to live near each campus—with commute tips, average rent, and pros and cons.
1.UCL Main Campus – Bloomsbury (WC1E 6BT)
Address: Gower Street, London
Nearby Tube Stations: Euston, Russell Square, Warren StreetBest Areas to Live:
| Area | Commute | Avg Rent (Single Room/Month) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomsbury | Walk 5–10 mins | £1,200–£1,600 | Closest, academic vibe |
| Euston / King's Cross | Walk/Tube 5–15 mins | £1,000–£1,400 | Transport hub, very convenient |
| Camden Town | Bike/Bus | £800–£1,100 | Lively, great for student life |
| Islington / Angel | Tube 10 mins | £900–£1,200 | Stylish, great food & shops |
| Kentish Town / Tufnell Park | Tube 20 mins | £700–£1,000 | Budget-friendly options |
2.UCL East Campus – Stratford (E20)
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Nearby Stations: Stratford (Central, Jubilee, DLR, Overground)
| Area | Commute | Avg Rent (Single Room/Month) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stratford | Walk/Bike | £800–£1,100 | Closest to campus, Westfield shopping |
| Hackney Wick | Bike 10 mins | £850–£1,200 | Creative, riverside lifestyle |
| Leyton / Leytonstone | Tube 1–2 stops | £700–£950 | Affordable, student-friendly |
| Bow / Mile End | Tube 10 mins | £850–£1,100 | Queen Mary student area |
| Canary Wharf | Jubilee Line | £1,000–£1,400 | Modern flats, scenic riverside area |
3.UCL School of Management – Canary Wharf (E14)
Address: One Canada Square
Nearby Tube/DLR Stations: Canary Wharf, South Quay, Heron Quays
| Area | Commute | Avg Rent (Single Room/Month) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Wharf / South Quay | Walk 5–10 mins | £1,200–£1,800 | High-rise flats, gym & concierge |
| Poplar / Limehouse | DLR 1 stop | £800–£1,100 | Good value, close proximity |
| Canada Water / Surrey Quays | Jubilee Line | £900–£1,200 | Safe, family-friendly, modern homes |
| Stratford | Jubilee Line 15 mins | £800–£1,100 | Affordable with large student presence |
4.Mixed Campus Commutes
If you take courses at both Main Campus and UCL East, consider Angel, Hoxton, or Farringdon, where commute time to both campuses is under 30 minutes.
FAQ: UCL Housing Choices
Q1. Is closer always better?
Not always. Closer areas like Bloomsbury or Canary Wharf are pricier. If you're budget-conscious, areas like Camden, Poplar, or Leyton offer great value with manageable commutes.
Q2. What's best for group flatshares?
East London areas such as Leyton, Mile End, and Poplar have large rental homes and are popular with student groups.
Q3. Can I find housing with Chinese-speaking support?
Yes! UKmate provides full support in English and Chinese—including contracts, repairs, and deposit protection.
Looking for Your Next Home?
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