With its diverse global community of world-class academics, industry links, external partners and alumni, University College London (UCL) is recognised as one of the best universities in the U.K.
If you are planning on studying at ‘London’s Global University’ and are in need of accommodation near University College London, Student.com provides both domestic and international students with the best UCL accommodation that offers everything you need while studying in the British capital.
We offer a wide range of accommodation in London, with hundreds of properties available. We list shared and private student accommodation near UCL and in some of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. You’ll be able to live close to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks where you can enjoy world-class entertainment, dining and sightseeing.
If you need more information or help with choosing your accommodation, just give us a call or talk to us on live chat.
Where is UCL located?
UCL was founded in 1826 as London University in the heart of London, England.
Since then, the university has spread its wings to three main campuses in Bloomsbury, Archway, and Hampstead. It also has satellite campuses in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, and is connected to several institutes and teaching hospitals in Central London and as far as Doha, Qatar.
However, its primary base is in the Bloomsbury area of the London Borough of Camden with the main quad on Gower Street. UCL’s position in one of the world’s most celebrated and diverse cities is a major advantage, making it quite attractive to international and local students alike.
London offers a level of multiculturalism, dynamism, vibrancy, and a range of intriguing attractions that is unrivalled by any other city in the UK.
The city has been consistently ranked by QS Best Student Cities rankings as one of the best cities in the world for students and has gotten the top spot several times, most recently in 2018 and 2019.
A world-class university located in a global city is a tremendous combination. It provides UCL students with unique benefits such as academic resources and access to a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the best in entertainment and nightlife, a vibrant cultural, art, and leisure scene, and rich history.
The university is located at the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, a syndicate of over 90 academic, scientific, research, cultural, and media-based organisations. It is also close to a plethora of academic-related resources including academic bodies, teaching hospitals, and medical institutions, museums, libraries, and theatres.
UCL also has close partnerships with some of London’s leading organisations and institutions including the British Library, the British Museum, the BBC, the Institute of Physics, the Zoological Society of London, the Wellcome Trust, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Studying at UCL
UCL is one-third of the “golden triangle” of elite English universities alongside the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and other elite London universities.
With more than 42,000 students, of whom over half are from 150 different countries outside of the UK, it is one of the most multicultural universities. It is also a global university with a network of connections comprising of 300,000 alumni in 190 countries. Also, more than a third of its 13,000 member staff is international.
UCL was the first university in England to be open-minded and advocate for inclusivity and diversity. It was also the first entirely secular university in England, the first to admit students regardless of religion or social background, and the first to welcome women to university education on equal terms with men in the UK (1878).
You’ll be studying at one of the best universities in the world
Diversity and multiculturalism are just two things in a long list of reasons why UCL is a great place to study. With a history of academic excellence, respected world-class research, global influence, and impact across a broad range of subject areas, UCL is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities, with many of its institutions leading their respective fields.
It is highly placed on several of the most trusted world university rankings including the 2021 QS (10th), the Times University Guide 2020 (9th), 2021 Times Higher Education (16th), the 2021 Guardian University Guide (14th), and the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities (16th).
UCL has an outstanding reputation in the field of research and it shows in its rankings. It was the top UK University for research strength in the 2021 REF (Research Excellence Framework) rankings.
The university is a member of the elite Russell Group of universities and is synonymous with the Nobel prize with 29 Nobel laureates coming from its former staff and alumni. In fact, there has been at least one Nobel Laureate from the UCL community every decade since its inception in 1901.
This is no surprise considering the university’s history of rethinking the norms of education and research.
A premier study experience
Through a progressive approach to teaching and research, UCL has been for a long time a world leader in academics.
By nurturing and encouraging novel thinking the university has developed a reputation for attracting the best and bravest of thinkers. It prides itself on creating a home for the thought leaders of tomorrow by teaching its students how to think, not what to think.
UCL offers over 400 degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines and categories, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, certificates, diplomas, PGCEs, and more.
UCL believes in providing its students with campuses equipped for the future, so you’ll be pursuing these programmes in style. The university already has some impressive spaces for studying and collaborating that are constantly updated to suit its students' needs. Its new £300 million purpose-built biomedical facility that houses over 500 scientists from across UCL's neuroscience community is a prime example.
Each of its 16 libraries provides support for specific subject areas. Its new student centre is equipped with 1,000 individual, group, and open plan study spaces, as well as a café and a roof terrace. The centre provides easy access to help and advice as it is open 24/7.
The Bloomsbury campus, located in London’s Bloomsbury district, traditionally a place for rebels and innovators, is home to several UCL colleges including schools of Pharmacy, Tropical Medicine, Hygiene, and the Royal Veterinary College and several key institutions such as the British Museum, the British Medical Association, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the University of London’s Senate House.
The Archway campus focuses on Clinical and Health Services Research, Informatics, and Multiprofessional Education, while one of the medical school’s main teaching and research sites is the Hampstead campus.
Student life at UCL
Being a student at UCL is much more than just acquiring a top-level education. For those who wish to socialise during times away from study, the UCL student union is a great option. University College London Union (UCLU) claims to have the largest selection of clubs and societies in England.
The student-led UCLU offers a plethora of services, runs a full entertainment programme and a number of bars, cafés, and catering outlets. It organises parties at some of the most famous clubs in the world.
UCLU also offers a multitude of social clubs and societies including the Debating Society, the Film Society, and Drama Society. The union also helps to cultivate the university’s strong sports culture organizing multiple clubs such as the Cricket Club, the Rugby Club, the Boat Club, and the Athletics Club.
There is also something on campus for the film buffs with the Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio, which is owned by the university. Opened in 1968, the theatre displays both student union and professional productions.
Students will also have plenty of options when getting around whether it is via buses, tubes, bikes, boats, or by walking. UCL’s great location means it is within walking distance of several major transport hubs. There are also easy connections to London’s Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports.
History of the University College London
UCL was founded in 1826 as London University by then prominent intellectuals James Mill and Henry Brougham. It was formed as a secular alternative to the other members of the “golden triangle” of elite English universities, which were strictly religious.
London’s first-ever university became the first entirely secular university to enrol students regardless of their religious beliefs. It was also the first to accept women on equal terms with men.
These bold moves were inspired by the radical ideas of philosopher Jeremy Bentham who some people see as UCL’s ‘spiritual father.’
However, the founders' trailblazing was encountered by strong opposition from the Church of England, the existing universities, and the medical schools. This objection prevented it from securing the Royal Charter under the title of "university."
Thus it had to wait 10 years after the latter-day University of London was established before it gained official and legal recognition as a college and allowed to award degrees. It was rechartered as an independent college in 1977 and gained the power to award degrees in its own right in 2005.
One of the oldest students' unions in England, UCLU was established all the way back in 1893.
Frequently asked questions about student accommodation near University College London
Why should I live in private student accommodation?
Private student accommodation is a great alternative to university halls. You can choose to live in a private room which means you won’t have to share a bedroom with other students. If you want a cheaper options, we also list many properties offering shared bedrooms, where you will share your bedroom with a flatmate. Typically many PBSAs (purpose-built student accommodations) will have some great amenities, like games rooms and in-house gyms that many university halls might not have.
How do I apply for student housing near UCL?
After selecting your preferred property, click “View rooms” to go to the property page. There you can choose your preferred room type. Then click “Book Now” or “Enquire” if you have some more questions. Leave your contact details and one of our booking consultants will be in touch with you to take you through the next steps and answer any questions you might have.
Can I book student housing through Student.com if I am a postgraduate student at UCL?
Yes, you can book any accommodation on Student.com as long as you are a full-time student.
Can you arrange a viewing of a property I’m interested in?
If you don’t feel comfortable booking one of our student accommodation options without viewing it first, our booking consultants will be happy to arrange a viewing for you. Many of the properties we list have excellent pictures, videos and even VR solutions to make it as easy as possible to see what the rooms look like though. If you won’t be in London before your move in date, these can be a big help in choosing your preferred property.
What are the different types of rooms available?
We offer three different types of rooms in London.
Shared Room - more than one person share the same bedroom. Other living facilities are shared with inhabitants from other rooms.
Private Room – the occupant will have a bedroom to themselves but will share other living spaces with occupants from other rooms. In some properties you’ll also get the option to have a private bathroom.
Entire Place – this option gives you a fully self-contained studio property consisting of a private bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. No need to share with anyone!
Can I live together with a friend who will also be attending UCL?
Yes. Once you’ve submitted an application, log into our system and go to ‘manage your preferences’ to state that you’d like to live together. Make sure your friend also does the same and states that they want to live with you.
What bills are included in my rent?
This depends on the property you choose. Most of our accommodation near UCL includes all bills in the rent, but make sure you always check if this is the case with the property you’ve chosen.
Are the properties fully furnished?
This depends on the property, but most of the properties we list are fully furnished.
Do you offer summer accommodation for students?
Yes, in many of the accommodation options we list, you can book to stay in your accommodation over the summer as well.