London College Of Communication University Of The Arts London Accommodation

London College of Communication is one of the six colleges that make up the University of the Arts London (UAL).

Its history goes back to 1894, when its origins were linked to the St Bride Foundation printing school. Today, the college teaches around 5,000 students across subjects including design, journalism, publishing, photography, film, television, animation, games and sound. Across all six colleges, UAL has a student population of roughly 22,000.

LCC is based at a single campus in Elephant & Castle, one of London's best-connected areas. Northern line and Bakerloo line services are both available from Elephant & Castle station, while buses run throughout South London and into the city centre.

The college is particularly well known for three academic areas:

• Design
• Media
• Screen

Courses place a strong emphasis on practical work alongside academic study, which means many students spend time in studios, workshops, editing suites and production spaces throughout the year.

From September 2027, the college is expected to move into a new purpose-built building directly above Elephant & Castle station. Teaching will remain in the same part of London, but students will have access to updated facilities designed specifically for creative education.

Life at LCC extends well beyond lectures and studio sessions. With Elephant & Castle as your base, you're surrounded by independent cafés, galleries, music venues and creative spaces that many students end up visiting as often as the college itself.

Because LCC is part of the University of the Arts London, students also become part of a wider creative community spread across six UAL colleges. Arts SU runs clubs, societies, events and student representation across the university, giving students opportunities to meet people from different creative disciplines.

Arts SU and Student Societies

Arts Students' Union supports a wide range of societies covering creative interests, cultural communities and student hobbies.

Depending on your interests, you can get involved in:

• Film and photography groups
• Journalism and publishing communities
• Cultural and international societies
• Creative networking events
• Student exhibitions
• Workshops and talks

Since UAL students are spread across London, many activities bring together students from different colleges rather than remaining campus-specific.

Creative Community

LCC attracts students studying subjects such as graphic design, photography, filmmaking, animation, journalism, publishing and media production.

That creative mix shapes everyday life around the college.

It's common to see students working on film shoots, photography projects or design portfolios both inside the college and around Elephant & Castle. Industry talks, exhibitions and collaborative projects also form a regular part of the academic year.

Food and Social Spots

Elephant & Castle has become one of South London's busiest food destinations.

Mercato Metropolitano remains a favourite meeting place thanks to its range of independent food vendors and open seating areas. Elephant Park has also introduced more cafés and restaurants over recent years, while Walworth Road offers everything from local bakeries to international cuisine.

Students looking to explore further often head towards:

• Borough Market
• Flat Iron Square
• Peckham
• South Bank
• Waterloo

Each offers a different atmosphere, whether you're meeting friends after class or spending a free afternoon away from campus.

Arts and Culture

Few universities are surrounded by as many creative venues within walking distance.

Students regularly visit:

• Imperial War Museum
• BFI Southbank
• Tate Modern
• Corsica Studios
• Borough Market
• Hotel Elephant studios

The South Bank is also close enough to reach on foot, making it easy to visit theatres, galleries and film screenings without planning an entire day around the trip.

Sports and Fitness

LCC doesn't have a large sports campus of its own.

Instead, students usually join local gyms, leisure centres or community sports clubs across South London.

Many also make use of nearby parks, including Burgess Park and Elephant Park, for running, outdoor workouts or simply taking a break from studio work.

Healthcare

Students staying in London for their course should register with a local NHS GP soon after moving into accommodation.

Major hospitals close to LCC include:

• St Thomas' Hospital
• Guy's Hospital

Several pharmacies, dental clinics and walk-in healthcare services are also available around Elephant & Castle and Southwark.

Everyday Student Life

One of the advantages of studying at LCC is that much of daily life happens within the local neighbourhood.

You can leave a lecture, meet friends for lunch, visit a gallery, pick up groceries and be back home without travelling across London. That convenience is one reason many students try to find London College of Communication University of the Arts London accommodation somewhere in Elephant & Castle, Walworth or the surrounding parts of South London.

Most LCC students choose accommodation somewhere in South London, although excellent transport links make several neighbouring districts equally practical.

Elephant & Castle

Living in Elephant & Castle means you're right beside campus.

The area has changed considerably over the past decade, with new residential buildings, public spaces and independent businesses opening alongside long-established local markets and restaurants.

Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant Park and Elephant & Castle station are all within a few minutes' walk.

Accommodation here is mainly purpose-built student housing, private apartments and studios.

Weekly rents generally range from £250 to £380.

Walworth

Walworth sits immediately south of the college.

Many students choose it because accommodation is usually less expensive than Elephant & Castle while remaining within walking distance of campus.

East Street Market, Burgess Park and Walworth Road give the area a distinctly local character that feels different from central London.

Private rooms and shared houses commonly range from £180 to £260 per week.

Borough and Southwark

Students who enjoy living close to the Thames often look towards Borough and Southwark.

The walk to LCC takes around fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on where you live.

The area is known for Borough Market, independent cafés, galleries and riverside walks, although accommodation costs are among the highest nearby.

Expect weekly rents between £280 and £420.

Kennington and Oval

Kennington offers a quieter setting while remaining close to campus.

Most streets are residential, with a mixture of Georgian terraces, apartment buildings and local cafés.

The Northern line provides a quick journey, although many students simply walk.

Typical rents range from £220 to £320 per week.

Camberwell

Camberwell has long been associated with London's art community.

Another UAL college, Camberwell College of Arts, is based here, giving the area a noticeable student presence.

Independent galleries, bookshops, cafés and pubs are spread throughout the neighbourhood, while direct buses run along Walworth Road to Elephant & Castle.

Accommodation generally costs between £200 and £260 per week.

Peckham

Peckham has become one of South London's best-known creative districts.

Artists' studios, exhibition spaces, music venues and independent businesses have made it particularly popular with students studying film, photography and design.

The journey to LCC usually takes around twenty minutes by bus or train.

Private rooms often fall between £190 and £260 per week.

Waterloo

Waterloo sits north-west of Elephant & Castle across the South Bank.

Although rents are higher than Camberwell or Walworth, students living here are close to theatres, museums, galleries and the River Thames.

The Bakerloo line and regular bus services make travelling to college straightforward.

Where you choose to live usually depends on your budget more than your commute. Elephant & Castle offers the shortest walk to lectures, while Camberwell, Walworth and Peckham often provide better value without adding much extra travel time.

London is one of the UK's more expensive cities, but where you live can make a noticeable difference to your monthly budget. Students based around Elephant & Castle, Walworth and Camberwell often spend less on day-to-day expenses than those living in parts of central or west London.

Excluding rent, most LCC students should expect weekly living costs of around £160 to £210.

Here's a typical weekly budget.

*Bills mainly apply to private rentals where utilities aren't included.

Food and Groceries

Buying groceries in South London doesn't have to be expensive.

East Street Market remains one of the area's biggest advantages, with fresh fruit, vegetables and household essentials often costing less than nearby supermarkets. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Lidl are all within easy reach depending on where you live.

Students sharing accommodation usually cut costs further by splitting everyday shopping and household items.

Transport

Many LCC students deliberately choose accommodation close enough to walk to campus.

Living in Elephant & Castle or Walworth means you may only need public transport for evenings, placements or trips across London.

Students travelling from Camberwell, Peckham or Waterloo usually rely on buses, while the Northern and Bakerloo lines make journeys from other parts of the city straightforward.

Eligible students can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, reducing the cost of Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.

Household Bills

If you're renting through a private landlord, it's worth checking whether utilities are included before signing a contract.

Bills may include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Broadband

Purpose-built student accommodation usually includes these costs within the weekly rent, making it easier to manage your monthly budget.

Social Spending

Entertainment costs vary depending on where you spend your time.

Students often meet at Mercato Metropolitano after lectures, while Peckham, Borough and the South Bank offer plenty of cafés, galleries, cinemas and music venues without travelling across London.

Heading into the West End generally costs more, so many students balance occasional trips into central London with evenings closer to home.

Course Costs

Creative courses often bring additional expenses that aren't reflected in accommodation costs.

Depending on your programme, you may need to budget for:

• Printing
• Sketchbooks and specialist materials
• Software subscriptions
• Camera or equipment hire
• Portfolio production
• Degree show costs

These costs vary considerably between courses, so it's worth setting aside a small amount each month rather than waiting until deadlines arrive.

International Student Budget

Students applying for a UK Student visa must meet the financial requirement set by the Home Office.

For institutions in London, applicants currently need to show access to £1,529 per month for living costs, for up to nine months.

This figure is used for visa purposes and isn't intended to represent average student spending, but it provides a useful benchmark when planning your finances before moving to London.

Accommodation around Elephant & Castle includes everything from shared houses to modern student residences.

The right option depends on how much privacy you want, your budget and whether you'd rather live independently or with other students.

Shared Rooms in Student Houses

Many students begin with a private bedroom in a shared house.

You'll have your own room while sharing the kitchen, bathroom and living areas with other tenants.

This remains one of the most affordable ways to live close to LCC, particularly in Walworth, Camberwell and Peckham.

Weekly rents generally start between £180 and £250.

En-suite Rooms

En-suite rooms provide a private bedroom and bathroom while keeping the kitchen and communal spaces shared.

They're common in purpose-built student accommodation across Elephant & Castle and nearby parts of South London.

Students who want more privacy without paying for a full studio often choose this type of accommodation.

Typical rents range from £220 to £350 per week.

Studios

A studio combines your bedroom, kitchen and living space into one self-contained room.

Nothing needs to be shared apart from any communal facilities provided by the building.

Studios are especially popular with postgraduate students and anyone who prefers a quieter place to work.

Prices generally begin around £300 per week, with larger or premium studios costing more.

Renting a Flat or House

Some students rent an entire property with friends after becoming familiar with London.

This usually provides more living space than purpose-built student accommodation, although tenants are responsible for arranging bills and managing the tenancy themselves.

Costs vary depending on location and the size of the property.

Accommodation near LCC isn't limited to one style of housing. Some students prefer the social side of a shared house, while others want the privacy of a studio where they can work on projects without interruption. Looking at room type alongside location and travel costs usually makes comparing properties much easier.

Unlike some universities, there isn't a single accommodation complex that most LCC students choose. Housing is spread across several parts of South London, giving you plenty of flexibility when deciding how close you want to live to campus.

Some students are happy to pay more for a five-minute walk to lectures. Others choose a slightly longer commute if it means a larger room or lower weekly rent.

Elephant & Castle

For students who want to live as close to college as possible, Elephant & Castle is the obvious starting point.

Most accommodation here consists of purpose-built student residences and newer apartment developments. Buildings often include facilities such as:

• Study spaces
• Laundry rooms
• Secure entry
• Bike storage
• Common areas

Living here also means you're only a short walk from supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and Elephant & Castle Underground station.

The trade-off is price. Accommodation here is usually among the most expensive in the area.

Walworth

Walworth offers a different experience.

It's quieter than Elephant & Castle in many places, while remaining close enough to walk to lectures.

Most accommodation consists of shared houses, converted properties and smaller apartment buildings rather than large student complexes.

Students looking to reduce accommodation costs without moving far from campus often begin their search here.

Camberwell

Camberwell has long attracted art and design students.

With another UAL college nearby, the area has a noticeable student presence throughout the year.

Independent cafés, galleries and local studios give it a different atmosphere from the larger commercial developments around Elephant & Castle.

Regular buses along Walworth Road make travelling to LCC straightforward.

Peckham

Peckham appeals to many students studying film, photography, design and media.

Creative workspaces, independent venues and exhibition spaces are spread across the neighbourhood, making it a popular place to spend time outside lectures.

Although it's further from campus than Walworth or Camberwell, the journey remains relatively short by bus or train.

Borough and Southwark

Students with a larger accommodation budget sometimes choose Borough or Southwark.

The location places you close to the South Bank, Borough Market and several major galleries and museums.

Walking to college generally takes around fifteen to twenty minutes.

Waterloo

Waterloo combines good transport with easy access to London's cultural attractions.

Students living here can reach theatres, museums and the riverside within minutes while travelling to LCC by bus or the Bakerloo line.

Although accommodation prices remain relatively high, the location suits students who spend a lot of time exploring central London.

Comparing the Main Areas

No single neighbourhood works for everyone. Living beside campus reduces commuting time, but moving slightly further south often gives you more choice and lower weekly rent without adding much extra travel.

Living in Zone 1 doesn't always mean paying the highest rents.

Several neighbourhoods close to LCC offer better value than Elephant & Castle while remaining well connected by bus, Underground or even on foot.

Walworth

Walworth is usually one of the first places students compare.

The area is close enough to walk to lectures, but accommodation is generally less expensive than newer developments around Elephant Park.

Shared houses are particularly common here, making it easier to keep weekly housing costs under control.

Camberwell

Camberwell continues to be one of the most popular areas for UAL students.

It offers a good mix of shared accommodation, independent businesses and reliable bus routes into Elephant & Castle.

Students prepared to spend fifteen or twenty minutes travelling each morning often find better value here than they would closer to campus.

Peckham

Peckham offers another affordable option for students who don't mind commuting.

Private rooms in shared houses remain common, while the area's transport connections make reaching LCC relatively simple.

The neighbourhood also has plenty of supermarkets, cafés and local businesses, helping students manage everyday costs.

Kennington

Kennington sits between Elephant & Castle and Oval.

Although it's quieter than neighbouring areas, students can still walk or take a short Underground journey to college.

Rental prices vary, but shared accommodation is often available below the cost of many purpose-built student residences.

Ways to Keep Accommodation Costs Down

Students can often reduce their housing costs without moving far from college.

A few simple choices can make a noticeable difference over the course of a tenancy.

• Choose a private room instead of a studio.
• Compare shared houses as well as student residences.
• Look beyond Elephant & Castle itself.
• Check whether utility bills are included.
• Factor travel costs into your weekly budget before making a decision.

A property with slightly higher rent may still offer better overall value if electricity, heating, water and internet are already included.

Students searching for London College of Communication University of the Arts London accommodation don't always need to focus on the streets immediately around campus. Looking a little further into South London often opens up more affordable housing while keeping the journey to lectures short enough for everyday travel.

London College of Communication sits in one of the capital's best-connected transport hubs.

Whether you live a few streets away or several miles across the city, reaching campus is usually straightforward thanks to Underground, rail and bus connections.

From September 2027, LCC's new building will be located directly above Elephant & Castle station, making public transport even more convenient for students arriving by Tube or train.

Walking

Students living in Elephant & Castle, Walworth or parts of Kennington rarely need public transport for lectures.

Most daily journeys take between five and twenty minutes on foot.

London Underground

Elephant & Castle station is served by:

• Northern line
• Bakerloo line

These lines provide direct access to many student areas across London, while easy interchanges connect to the wider Underground network.

Buses

South London's bus network is extensive, and many students rely on it every day.

Direct services connect Elephant & Castle with Camberwell, Peckham, Waterloo, London Bridge and numerous other student neighbourhoods.

For shorter journeys, buses can often be just as convenient as the Underground.

National Rail

Elephant & Castle National Rail station provides Thameslink services through central London.

Students travelling from areas further south, or connecting to destinations such as St Pancras International, benefit from direct rail links without needing multiple Underground changes.

Cycling

Cycling has become increasingly popular among students living nearby.

Protected cycle routes pass through Elephant & Castle, while Santander Cycle docking stations are available across the surrounding area.

Students living in Borough, Waterloo or Kennington can often cycle to campus in well under twenty minutes.

Airport Connections

Travelling home during holidays or arriving from overseas is relatively straightforward.

Strong transport links are one of the biggest advantages of living near LCC. Students don't necessarily have to live beside the campus to keep commuting simple, as most parts of South London offer quick and reliable access throughout the week.