A Guide to Affordable Students’ Housing in London. West London
The old English saying “West is best” suggests that it wouldn’t be a bad decision to rent accommodation in the West End, especially if you are a student of The University of West London.
Posh West London
West London on the whole is an eclectic mix of green open spaces, cosy parks and sites of historical interest that complement a number of buzzy town centres. Posh West London is on many wish lists, but not everybody can afford it, especially when speaking about Zone 1, with its fantastically expensive Notting Hill, Chelsea, Kensington or Knightsbridge areas. The cheapest rent you could find in these areas would cost you £1500 per month for a one-bedroom flat. These are probably the most expensive places to live in the UK not least because of its famous Kings Road, one of the swankiest shopping street in London.
Cheaper rentals in Ealing
However, if you travel just a little further west, just a few tube stops, you will discover another part of West London, which is as fascinating, as the Zone 1 areas, but far less costly. You can find yourself in Ealing full of vibrant student life, because here campuses of The University of West London are located. Or you can try picturesque Fulham, or Shepherds Bush, where rents start at £900 per month. Ealing and other districts nearby are currently undergoing huge regeneration, which will bring some of the western fringes of the district in line with the rest of the West London area.
Campus of Private Accommodation?
The University of West London, a merger of five colleges, is located in the picturesque Ealing, which is about an hour outside London, and also Brentford which is just 10 minutes apart. There is also a third site in Reading, Berkshire, which is some 31 miles / 50 km from the Ealing sites. Students like this area because the rent is much cheaper than in the centre. Even so, this is a diverse area with spacious parks and a relaxed café culture. There is a great selection of atmospheric bars near campus like The Rose and Crown, and many other. It is quite easy to find a nice and comfortable accommodation not far from campus with walking distance to class. Most students choose to live off campus, and some are currently looking for roommates. One can find a nice flat in this area for a fair price. Studio flats are enormously popular among students, because of affordable prices and because one can share it with a reliable roommate with no extra rent to pay. Normally, studios have a roomy study area, a double bed, plenty of storage, en-suite shower room and a fully equipped mini kitchen. The rent of this kind of economical accommodation will cost you £650 minimum including all bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance. In addition, if you share a studio with a roommate, there are no supplements to pay.