Homes near London’s top universities

In many countries worldwide, especially in the Commonwealth of Nations, a London education is considered valuable and highly regarded. As a result, many students from within the UK and overseas make a beeline to secure admission to one of London’s top-ranked universities. The reputation of the UK capital as a centre educational excellence attracts students from around the world.

With over 500,000 students enrolled in London universities, the demand for accommodation near universities is always higher than its supply. To ease this problem for our buyers who have children studying in London’s top colleges or landlords looking to capitalise on rental opportunities, we have put together a list of exciting new property developments near some of London’s best universities.

Nestled in the heart of South Kensington, Imperial College London (ICL) is the city’s top-ranked college and sixth-best in the world. Considered a top institution for multi-disciplinary courses across engineering, medicine, natural sciences and business, ICL is home to nearly 20,000 students. Located in the SW7 postcode, thanks to London’s well-connected Tube network, many London postcodes are within a 20-minute commute to ICL.

The ICL campus is only a short walk from South Kensington Station, served by the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. Buyers and investors looking for top new build properties can consider Lancer Square, Holland Park Gate and 375 Kensington High Street, which are all just a short walk from Kensington High Street station and a 10-minute train ride away. Additionally, One Cluny Mews near Earl’s Court, Chelsea Waterfront near Imperial Wharf and Park Modern near Queensway Underground Stations are also within a 12 to 15-minute journey from ICL.

With over 42,000 students, University College London has the highest enrolment among all other colleges in the capital. From anthropology to chemical engineering and computer science, UCL offers a diverse curriculum and is currently the ninth-best university in the world. Located in the WC1 postcode, Goodge Street on the Northern Line and Euston Square are the nearest Tube stations to the UCL campus.

If you plan to invest in properties near UCL, West 1 Place (W1) near Baker Street Station and Postmark (WC1) near Farringdon Station are less than 15 minutes away. Properties in the NW1 neighbourhoods, such as Camden Goods Yard, Verdica and Mode, are also within walking distance of Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations on the Northern Line.

Home to over 33,000 students, King’s College in Westminster is almost 200 years old and is ranked as the sixth-best university in London. Started under the patronage of King George IV, King’s College offers courses across medicine, humanities and law. 190 Strand by Berkeley Group’s St Edward is less than a few hundred metres away and can be reached on foot in less than ten minutes.

One Blackfriars is another landmark residential development with luxurious apartments, and it is just a short walk across the iconic Millennium Bridge to King’s College. Similarly, The Boulevard, Southbank Place and Triptych Bankside are all located within the SE1 postcode and are within walking distance or a short cycle ride away from this prestigious university.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is another highly regarded university for pursuing social sciences, law and finance. With over 18 Nobel laureates and 36 heads of state in its august alumni list, LSE is home to nearly 12,000 students from across the globe.

Located on Houghton Street within the WC2 postcode, LSE is within walking distance of multiple Tube stations such as Holborn (Central & Piccadilly lines), Temple (Circle & District lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo lines). TCRW Soho, West Central 1 and The Denizen are some prime Zone 1 developments that are a short walk from the LSE campus.

Recognised as one of the most inclusive Russell Group Universities, Queen Mary has over 32,000 students on its campus with 41% from other nationalities. With its main campus just a two-minute walk from Mile End Tube Station, students can easily reach college via train or a short cycle ride on the A11. The Silk District by Mount Anvil is just a short stroll from Queen Mary’s Whitechapel campus and features stylish studios and one-bed apartments, ideal for students.

Similarly, The Haydon and Goodman’s Fields in Aldgate are just 10 minutes away via the Tube from Aldgate Station on the Circle Line. While One Bishopsgate and Principal Tower located in The City are a 15-minute train ride from Liverpool Street to Mile End, residents of Broadway East will have the convenience of opting for the Underground and Overground from either Bethnal Green or Cambridge Heath which are also less than 18 minutes away from the Queen Mary campus.

With over 20,000 students enrolled across 150 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, City University is regarded as one of London’s most sought-after colleges. Located in the heart of the capital, the main City campus is near Northampton Square in central London which is a quick walk from Moorgate and Old Street Tube stations.

The Makers in Shoreditch is a stylish 28-floor tower that is a brisk, 12-minute walk from City University. The Stage is another luxurious 37-storey development which is just a 10-minute cycle ride away from the campus. Shoreditch Exchange, Long & Waterson Apartments and The Denizen are among other popular projects by leading developers within a short train ride of less than five minutes.

Located in the Uxbridge area of London, Brunel University offers a campus to over 15,000 students spread across diverse streams such as engineering, business, design, health, life sciences and many more. Unlike other colleges located in central London, students at Brunel need to take a special shuttle (bus) from either Uxbridge, West Ruislip or West Drayton stations on the Tube and Elizabeth Line.

Padcroft by Redrow is just 2 miles away from Brunel with direct and frequent buses from nearby West Drayton which is just a short walk away. Hayes Village by Barratt London and New Hayes are just four minutes to West Drayton via Hayes & Harlington Station on the Elizabeth Line. Similarly, The Green Quarter by Berkeley in Southall is seven minutes away.

Birkbeck & SOAS University of London

Located just few metres from each other Birkbeck and the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) are both respected University of London institutions with a collective strength of over 16,000 students. Located in the popular Bloomsbury area of central London, the campus of both the colleges are a few minutes’ walk from Russell Square, Warren Street, Euston Square and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations.

While TCRW Soho is a 15-minute walk from the colleges, many other new-build developments such as Signature Place, Postmark, West Central 1 in Farringdon and W1 Place in West End are not more than a 20-minute Tube ride from the Birkbeck and SOAS.

With 12,000 students pursuing diverse courses from electronic engineering to digital media and law, Royal Holloway has a legacy of over 170 years. The campus is located within a sprawling 135-acre estate with Egham Station on the main line a short walk from the college.

London Square and Eden Grove in Staines-upon-Thames are a short stroll from Staines Station from where Egham is just a four-minute train ride. Similarly, Sunningdale Park in Berkshire is a 11-minute train journey while High Street Quarter and Lampton Parkside in Hounslow are 18 minutes away on the main line.

At Benham & Reeves, we understand how important it is for parents to support their children’s education by ensuring quality accommodation near these prestigious London universities. With 21 branches across the UK capital and multiple offices across the globe we are at the forefront of bringing top London properties to you. Whether you are a parent looking to invest in your child’s future or a landlord seeking strong yields on your rental investment, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Sources: QS University Rankings / Google Maps / TfL