Exploring Top Boroughs In London: Expert and Comprehensive Guide

On the move to London? Get to know more about the London boroughs close to your university and student accommodation in London. There are over 15 safest, biggest, and rich boroughs in London, divided into Inner London Borough and Outer London Boroughs. They have some of the best boroughs in London. As a student, it is very important to choose the right top boroughs london as this will be the area where you will choose your new student home in London.

A gist: In general, London is known as the City of London, which has over 32 boroughs surrounding it and makes up the city with 9 million people living in and around the area. They are further divided into North, South, East and Central London.

What are the Best Inner London Boroughs?

Inner London isn’t just central—it’s the pulse of the capital. You’ve got culture one way, coffee shops the other, and your campus probably a 15-minute walk if you choose right. This part of the city is fast, loud (in a good way), and buzzing with students from every corner of the globe. Following are the best Inner London Boroughs:

• Westminster: Home to Imperial College & University of Westminster. It’s central, historic, and surprisingly affordable if you book early. Chapter Westminster is a student favourite for its secure, stylish spaces close to major landmarks.
• Camden: Creative, chaotic, and full of character. UCL, SOAS, and Birkbeck students love its vintage shops, music venues, and laid-back housing. Ideal for artsy types who enjoy an edge.
• Islington: Trendy but chill. North of the centre, it’s great for UCL and London Met students. Safe, social, and full of indie cafés and parks to escape the chaos.
• Southwark: Perfect mix of uni and lifestyle. Near KCL and LSBU, you get riverside walks, Borough Market bites, and sleek apartments—without central London price tags.
• Kensington & Chelsea: Yes, it’s posh—but it’s also peaceful. Imperial and RCA students choose it for quiet nights, classy streets, and walking-distance museums. Great for focused study.

Why is Westminster a Great Borough for Students in London?

Yes, it’s the heart of London—think Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and black cabs everywhere—but Westminster is more than a postcard. It’s also home turf for students at Imperial College London and the University of Westminster, making it one of the most student-friendly boroughs if you plan ahead. Despite being in a high-demand area, there are affordable student housing options like Chapter Westminster, especially if you book early. Following are the key details of Westminster:

• You’re only about 17 minutes by road from central hotspots, and the London Underground (District, Circle, Jubilee lines) makes commuting a breeze.
• Plus, Westminster has hidden pockets with local cafés, riverside bookshops, and weekend markets that offer a nice escape from the chaos.
• A lot of students skip Westminster thinking it’s out of reach, but early leases and student-exclusive deals often bring rent into a surprisingly doable range.

Why is Kensington and Chelsea a Great Borough for Students in London?

If you like cobbled streets, cute brunch cafés, and living near world-class museums—welcome to Kensington and Chelsea. This borough blends elegance with opportunity, attracting students from Royal College of Art, Imperial, and Chelsea College of Arts. Following are the Key details of Kensington and Chelsea:

• Sure, it’s posh, but don’t let that scare you off. There are surprisingly affordable studio flats and ensuite rooms located around student campuses, especially during off-peak seasons.
• Walkability is high—you can get to class, Hyde Park, or even Whole Foods in minutes. Transport links? The Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines run right through here. Bonus: late-night safety is excellent.
• Look around Earls Court or West Kensington for slightly cheaper rents. And yes, it’s totally normal to pass a celebrity on your walk to uni.

Why is Camden a Great Borough for Students in London?

Camden is where London’s wild side meets student life. It’s artistic, edgy, and unapologetically loud—in the best way possible. Students from UCL, Birkbeck, SOAS, and University of Westminster often flock here because of the unbeatable mix: close campuses, quirky vibes, and low-cost shared flats or studio pods. Following are the key details of Camden:

• Camden Market is right on your doorstep (literally), and food options range from vegan burgers to Ethiopian coffee stands. There’s also Regent’s Canal, perfect for early morning jogs or lazy Sunday walks.
• Camden is super well-connected with Northern Line and Overground stations that’ll take you anywhere. It’s about 29 minutes to Central London by road, though most locals just cycle or take the Tube.
• If you like to study in cafés, Camden is your dream. Head to The Coffee Jar or Redemption Roasters for Wi-Fi, good vibes, and even better playlists.

Why is Islington a Great Borough for Students in London?

If you’re the kind of student who’s all about good food, better music, and late-night conversations over coffee, Islington will feel like home. Located in North London, it balances a fun, youthful vibe with a genuine sense of community. It’s not as loud as Camden or as polished as Kensington—but that’s exactly why students love it. Following are the key details of Islington:

• Universities like UCL, London Met, and City, University of London are all within a short bus or Tube ride—some even walkable depending on where you stay. Upper Street is the local hangout zone, packed with vintage shops, ramen joints, and indie cinemas like the Screen on the Green.
• Student accommodation options range from cozy ensuite rooms to modern studio flats with rooftop views, and many come with high-security access, communal lounges, and study areas.
• You can walk home safely after a night out. Islington consistently ranks as one of London’s safest boroughs, and that peace of mind? Priceless when you’re new in town.

Why is Southwark a Great Borough for Students in London?

Now this one’s a gem for students chasing the perfect blend of education, culture, and riverside chill. Southwark sits just below the Thames and connects seamlessly to central hotspots like London Bridge and Borough. Whether you’re studying at King’s College London, London South Bank University, or University of the Arts London, you’re in the right spot—academically and socially. Following are the key details of Southwark:

• The area has an artistic heartbeat. You’re a short stroll from the Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, and Borough Market (trust us, try the chorizo roll). After lectures, you can catch a play, sip artisan coffee, or just unwind along the South Bank walkways.
• The Jubilee, Northern, and Bakerloo lines make Southwark a dream for commuting, while night buses keep things moving if you’re out late.
• Rent prices are reasonable compared to Central London, and most student housing includes utilities, secure entry, and access to gyms or study pods. Whether it’s a sleek riverside studio or a shared flat with friends—you’ll find plenty of options.

What are the Best Outer London Boroughs?

Outer London is perfect for students who want more space, better rent, and a quieter life without losing touch with the city’s buzz. Here are four boroughs where you can study, breathe, and still make it to lectures on time:

1. Greenwich: A student fave for good reason. Home to University of Greenwich & Ravensbourne. Riverside views + historic gems like Greenwich Park. Affordable rents with scenic surroundings.

2. Richmond upon Thames: Chill, green, and picture-perfect. Ideal for American International University & St Mary’s students. Royal parks, river walks, and village-style cafés. Mostly residential, but student rooms pop up in shared houses.

3. Ealing: Underrated but amazing. University of West London territory. Food spots, indie cinemas, and leafy parks. Mid-range rent, safer than many inner zones.

4. Bromley: Quiet but surprisingly connected. Southeast vibes with quick links to Central London. Great mix of nature, shopping, and chill study cafés.

Why is Richmond upon Thames a Great Borough for Students in London?

If you dream of riverside walks, peaceful parks, and charming village vibes, Richmond is your match. Located in Southwest London, it offers that rare mix of tranquility and city access—Central London is just a 30-minute train ride away. The area is home to the American International University and St Mary’s University in Twickenham, so you’re never far from campus. Following are the Key details of Richmond upon Thames:

• It’s not the busiest part of London—and that’s the point. Students love the slower pace, the sense of community, and the fresh air you won’t find in busier zones.
• Rents here are generally more affordable in shared student homes or house shares, especially in streets just outside Richmond town centre.
• Weekends? Expect farmers’ markets, rowing clubs, and quiet corners for studying by the river.

Why is Greenwich Upon a Great Borough for Students in London?

Greenwich is where history, education, and waterfront chill blend into one of the most student-friendly pockets of southeast London. It’s home to the University of Greenwich, Ravensbourne University London, and the Old Royal Naval College, which means a large international student population and lots of student-focused services. Following are the key details of Greenwich:

• The vibe here is laid-back but full of life—think open-air food markets, weekend vintage stalls, music festivals, and museums just around the corner.
• Student accommodations range from riverside studios to affordable shared apartments near Cutty Sark or North Greenwich.
• Bonus? The views. Many student rooms overlook the Thames or open green parks like Greenwich Park and Blackheath.

Why is Bromley a Great Borough for Students in London?

Bromley may not be the first name that pops up when you Google “London student hotspots,” but it quietly delivers on comfort, cost, and convenience. Located in Southeast London, it’s one of the most affordable boroughs for students who want easy access to King’s College London or UCL, thanks to reliable public transport. Following are the key details of Bromley:

• It’s got that suburban charm: tree-lined streets, family-run cafés, local markets, and parks where you can recharge after a week of lectures.
• The nightlife is subtle but present—think pub quizzes and live acoustic sets rather than rave scenes.
• Accommodation options include house shares and studio apartments at significantly lower rates than inner zones.

Why is Ealing a Great Borough for Students in London?

Diverse, well-connected, and buzzing with student energy—Ealing ticks all the boxes. Located in West London, it’s a prime choice for students at the University of West London, but also well suited for those studying at LSE or Imperial, thanks to quick Tube access. Following are the key details of Ealing:

• With parks like Walpole and Gunnersbury nearby, and high streets filled with global eateries, thrift shops, and independent cinemas, it offers the perfect study-life balance.
• Rents are mid-range, but way more manageable than Zones 1 or 2.
• Students can find en-suite rooms, studios, and shared apartments with modern amenities across areas like Ealing Broadway and West Ealing.

How to Book Top Student Accommodation in the Boroughs of London?

Booking student accommodation in a massive city like London can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But don’t worry—we’ve got a quick, no-nonsense plan to help you secure the perfect room in the right borough:

• Start Searching as Soon as You Accept Your Offer: The early bird gets the best ensuite. Begin looking 3–5 months before arrival, especially in high-demand boroughs like Camden or Greenwich. If you wait too long, prices rise, and your options shrink.
• Focus on Commute First, Vibes Second: It’s easy to fall for an Instagram-worthy room—but check that commute time. Prioritize accommodations within walking or cycling distance of your uni. For example, if you’re heading to KCL, look at Southwark; for UCL, Camden and Islington are gold.
• Use Reliable Platforms Only: Skip sketchy ads and random Facebook listings. Go for verified platforms like University Living that list student-safe properties with transparent pricing, secure payment portals, and 24/7 support. They even help with paperwork, which is a bonus if you’re juggling visa stress.
• Ask for All-Inclusive Deals: London’s energy bills can be brutal in winter. Make sure utilities—Wi-Fi, water, electricity—are covered in the rent. This makes budgeting easier and avoids ugly surprises.
• Always Read the Contract: You don’t need a law degree, but don’t skip the fine print. Cancellation policy, deposit terms, guest rules—read everything. Screenshot payment receipts, and save your rental agreement in two places. 

Conclusion

So, this is just a brief about the boroughs of London, the end goal is for you to do more research and find out more about these areas.