Student Accommodation near Architectural Association School Of Architecture

Book with House of Student and become a part of the largest global community of students accomodation with us. Know why students love us!

Safe Spaces, No Exceptions
Student-only, fully vetted homes

365 days, 24/7 genuine support
Your concierge aka ivey.ai and our global team of real humans are there to help you.

Lowest Prices, Best Deals Guaranteed
No hidden costs or platform fee

Thrive Inside Out
Mental health & wellbeing support always available throughout your tenure.

Grow Anywhere
More than 1 million student rooms across 1000+ student cities
Reserve now.

Pay Later, Free Cancellations
Change of mind? No questions asked cancellations within the specified period

The Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London stands as a highly prestigious and influential institution dedicated to architectural education. Founded in 1847, it is the UK's oldest independent architecture school and has a long-standing reputation for its experimental approach, critical thinking, and production of visionary architects.

Key Aspects of the Architectural Association:

Independence and Innovation: As an independent school, the AA has the freedom to set its own curriculum and pursue innovative teaching methods without being tied to a larger university structure. This fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

Global Reputation: The AA attracts highly talented students and faculty from around the world, creating a diverse and intellectually stimulating community. Its graduates are recognized globally for their design excellence and critical engagement with the field.

Unit System: A unique feature of the AA's teaching structure is the unit system. Students in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs are part of specific design units led by individual tutors with distinct research agendas and design philosophies. This allows for focused exploration of diverse architectural approaches.

Emphasis on Experimentation and Theory: The AA encourages students to push the boundaries of architectural design through experimentation, research, and a strong engagement with architectural theory and history.

Public Programme: The AA hosts a vibrant public programme of lectures, exhibitions, symposia, and publications, contributing significantly to architectural discourse and making it a hub for architectural debate.

Notable Alumni: The AA boasts an impressive list of alumni who have become leading figures in architecture worldwide, including Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, and many others.

Location in London: Situated in the heart of London, the AA benefits from the city's rich architectural heritage and its position as a global center for culture and innovation.

Student life at the Architectural Association is known for being intense, intellectually stimulating, and deeply immersive. It's a highly collaborative and often demanding environment that fosters strong bonds among students and faculty.

Key Aspects of Student Life at the AA:

Close-Knit Community: The relatively small size of the school and the intensive studio-based learning foster a strong sense of community among students within their units and across different year groups.

Studio Culture: The design studio is the central hub of student life. Students spend a significant amount of time working on their projects, engaging in discussions, and learning from their tutors and peers. This creates a dynamic and collaborative working environment that often extends beyond formal hours.

Unit Dynamics: Each design unit develops its own unique culture and working methods under the guidance of its tutor(s). This provides students with a focused learning experience and the opportunity to align with a specific architectural approach.

Intense Workload: Architectural education is generally demanding, and the AA is no exception. Students should expect a significant workload involving design projects, research, presentations, and critiques. Time management and dedication are crucial.

Critiques and Presentations ("Crits"): Regular critiques of student work by tutors, visiting critics, and peers are a fundamental part of the learning process. These "crits" can be intense but are invaluable for receiving feedback and developing design thinking.

Exhibitions and Events: The AA hosts regular exhibitions of student work, providing opportunities to showcase their projects and engage with a wider audience. The public programme of lectures and events also offers students exposure to leading architects and thinkers.

Access to Resources: Students have access to the AA's unique resources, including its library, archives, workshops (for model making and fabrication), and digital fabrication labs.

London as a Learning Environment: The AA's location in London provides unparalleled access to architectural landmarks, museums, galleries, and a vibrant cultural scene, all of which can enrich the student experience.

Social Life: While the academic workload is demanding, students do find time for social activities, often organized within their units or through student-led initiatives. London offers a vast array of social and cultural opportunities outside of the school.

Student Representation: Students have a voice in the school's governance through student representatives who participate in various committees.

Global Network: Studying at the AA provides students with lifelong connections to a global network of architects and designers.

The British Museum: Right in Bloomsbury.

The Sir John Soane's Museum: Unique architectural museum.

Covent Garden: Lively area with shops and performers.

Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery: Major art and public spaces.

National Portrait Gallery.

Leicester Square: Cinema and theatre district.

Soho: Nightlife and restaurants.

The Postal Museum: Unique history of postal service.

Bloomsbury Theatre (UCL).

Getting to the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture:

The main address is 36 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3ES.

By Tube (London Underground):

Goodge Street Station (Northern Line): ~5-minute walk.

Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, Elizabeth Line): ~7-10 minute walk.

Russell Square Station (Piccadilly Line): ~7-10 minute walk.

Holborn Station (Central, Piccadilly Line): ~10-12 minute walk.

Euston Square Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan): ~10-12 minute walk.

By Train (National Rail):

Euston Station: ~10-15 minute walk.

King's Cross St. Pancras Station: ~15-20 minute walk or short Tube.

Tottenham Court Road Station: Has National Rail services.

By Bus: Numerous bus routes serve Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street, and Russell Square. Check TfL or a journey planner.

By Walking and Cycling: Bloomsbury is central and relatively flat.

Student Travel Within London:

Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: Convenient payment method.

Travel Zones: The AA is in Zone 1.

Bus Hopper Fare: Unlimited bus/tram within 1 hour.

Daily and Weekly Capping.