King’s College London (KCL) is a prestigious public research university and member of the “Golden Triangle” of elite UK universities. The university is ranked 31st in the QS World University Ranking 2026, which has attracted thousands of students to study here. Securing the right KCL student accommodation to live is one of the most crucial tasks for an incoming student. This guide provides a detailed overview of the types of accommodation available and key considerations to help you make an informed decision for a comfortable and enriching stay in London.
Types of Accommodation: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
KCL students typically choose between university-managed halls and private off-campus options, each with its own advantages.
University-Managed Halls of Residence
KCL offers a range of university-managed accommodation, primarily for first-year undergraduates.
- Popular Options: Notable halls include Great Dover Street Apartments, Stamford Street Apartments, and Wolfson House.
- Pros: Proximity to campus, built-in student community, and often simpler administration as bills are included.
- Cons: Can be competitively priced, may get booked up extremely quickly, and students often have less control over their specific room assignment.
Purpose-Built Private Student Accommodation
A vast array of private student accommodation exists around KCL’s campuses. You can visit uhomes.com website to have a look. uhomes.com is a student accommodation marketplace offering more than 2 million+ student rooms in 500+ cities across the world. They are popular with second-year students, returning students, postgraduates, and those who prefer more independence.
- Examples and Features:
- Chapter London Bridge: Chapter London Bridge is a luxury student accommodation in London, with a 2-minute walk from KCL Guy’s Campus. The accommodation offers various Studios and En-suites to students, with all utility bills included. You can also enjoy bi-weekly cleaning that offers a clean environment. It provide many modern amenities for a colourful and comfortable stay, like a roof terrace, a cinema room, a study room, a skyline gym, and a sky bar. Nestled in the heart of London, this residence offers a prime spot right on the city skyline alongside the Thames. You’ll be just steps away from some of London’s most iconic attractions, like The Shard, Borough Market, London Bridge, and the South Bank.
- Chapter Spitalfields: Chapter Spitalfields is a Zone 1 student accommodation in London that offers En-suites, Studios, Flats, and Private Flats. The accommodation is equipped with an array of high-end amenities, such as a 32nd-floor coffee bar, auditorium, karaoke room, cinema room, a 24-hour rooftop library, and an on-site gym. With Liverpool Street Station at the doorstep, the accommodation is a 20-minute tube ride from KCL. Chapter Spitalfields is situated in the vibrant London area of Shoreditch. Living here, Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, The Gherkin, Traitors’ Gate, and The Shard are a short stroll, convenient for you to explore London. Students who love British art and music can also take a tube to The Barbican Centre and enjoy an audiovisual feast.
- Pros: High-quality facilities, more choice in location and room type, often more availability than university halls.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than standard university halls or private shared housing.
Private Rented Housing
Private rented housing (flats/apartments or houses) involves leasing directly from a landlord, often through an estate agent.
- Pros: More living space, and greater freedom to choose location and housemates.
- Cons: Requires managing utility bills and navigating the London rental market, which can be daunting. There’s also a higher risk of encountering unreliable landlords.
Location and Commute: Choosing the Right Area
Your academic department’s location should heavily influence your choice of accommodation to minimize commute time and cost.
- Strand, Guy’s, Waterloo Campuses (Central/Zones 1-2): Areas like Southwark, Borough, Waterloo, and Elephant & Castle are extremely popular due to their walkability or short bus ride to these central campuses. However, rents here are the highest.
- Denmark Hill Campus: This campus is further out. Champion Hill residence is very close to this campus but is not recommended for students based at other campuses due to the long commute (45-55 minutes to Strand).
Key Amenities and Community Features
When comparing options, consider these facilities which can significantly enhance your living experience:
- Essential Utilities: Ensure Wi-Fi, water, gas, and electricity are included in the rent to avoid hidden costs.
- Social & Study Spaces: Look for common rooms, study areas, cinema rooms, and roof terraces. These are great for socializing and group work without leaving your building.
- Wellbeing & Security: 24/7 security, CCTV, and secure entry systems are standard in good quality accommodations and are crucial for peace of mind. On-site gyms can also save you money on external memberships.
- Practicalities: Laundry facilities and bicycle storage are very common and highly useful amenities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a successful and enjoyable time at King’s. By starting your search early, carefully considering your priorities, and using the information in this guide, you can find a home in London that supports your academic goals and allows you to thrive.