London Metropolitan University Accommodation

London Metropolitan University was established in 2002 following the merger of London Guildhall University and the University of North London, although its academic roots date back to the late nineteenth century.

Today, the university teaches around 13,600 students, including undergraduate and postgraduate learners from the UK and overseas.

Teaching takes place across two main campuses.

Campus	Main Subjects
Holloway Road Campus	Business, Computing, Science, Social Sciences, Law, Health, Education
Aldgate Campus	Art, Architecture and Design

The Holloway Road campus serves as the university's main site and sits directly opposite Holloway Road Underground station. Students studying architecture, design and creative subjects are usually based at the Aldgate campus, close to the City of London and Shoreditch.

London Met is particularly known for widening access to higher education and maintaining close links with London's communities. Facilities include modern teaching spaces, specialist laboratories and one of Europe's largest teaching superlabs for science students.

Since the university doesn't provide its own accommodation, students normally search for private student accommodation near London Metropolitan University in areas surrounding both campuses.

London Met has a very different feel from universities built around a traditional campus. Students are spread across Holloway, Aldgate and other parts of London, so university life often extends into the surrounding neighbourhoods rather than staying in one place.

Whether you're studying at Holloway Road or Aldgate, you'll find plenty happening both on campus and across the city.

Students' Union and Societies

Every London Met student automatically becomes a member of the Students' Union.

The union organises student groups, sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, campaigns and social events throughout the year. Students can also get involved with Verve Magazine and Verve Radio, both of which are run by students. There are more than 50 societies covering academic interests, culture, sport and hobbies, with the option to start a new society if one doesn't already exist.

Sport and Fitness

Students interested in sport have access to gyms, fitness studios and a range of organised activities.

Popular sports include:

• Football

• Basketball

• Rugby

• Badminton

• Volleyball

• Cheerleading

• Cricket

• Futsal

Fitness classes, yoga and wellbeing sessions are also available throughout the academic year, giving students different ways to stay active alongside their studies.

Food and Social Spaces

Holloway Road has no shortage of places to eat.

Students regularly visit local cafés, international restaurants and independent takeaways between lectures, while nearby Upper Street offers even more choice for evenings and weekends.

On campus, many students spend time at The Rocket, the university's student venue. It hosts social events, quizzes, live music, film screenings and Freshers' activities throughout the year, making it one of the main places to meet other students outside lectures.

Around the Local Area

One of the advantages of studying at London Met is how much there is within a short journey.

Popular places include:

• Emirates Stadium

• Camden

• Upper Street

• Highbury Fields

• King's Cross

• Shoreditch

• Brick Lane

Students based at the Aldgate campus are also close to Whitechapel, Spitalfields and the City of London, giving art and architecture students easy access to galleries, museums and creative spaces.

Healthcare

Students living in London should register with a local NHS GP soon after moving into accommodation.

Major hospitals near the university include:

• Whittington Hospital

• University College Hospital (UCLH)

Pharmacies, dental clinics and walk-in healthcare services are also available throughout Islington and the surrounding boroughs.

Everyday Student Life

London Met attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a diverse university community with learners from more than 150 countries. Because many students commute from different parts of London, university life often combines lectures with time spent exploring different neighbourhoods, working part-time or taking part in Students' Union activities.

Choosing where to live depends largely on which campus you'll attend and how much you want to spend on rent.

Students at Holloway Road often stay in North London, while those studying at Aldgate sometimes prefer East London neighbourhoods closer to the School of Art, Architecture and Design.

Holloway and Highbury

Holloway is the closest place to live for most London Met students.

Living here means you can usually walk to lectures in under fifteen minutes while staying close to supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and Holloway Road Underground station.

The Emirates Stadium is also nearby, giving the area a lively atmosphere throughout the football season.

Purpose-built student accommodation in London generally costs between £299 and £393 per week.

Islington and Angel

South of Holloway, Islington offers a different pace of life.

Upper Street is known for its restaurants, independent shops and theatres, making it popular with students who enjoy spending time close to central London.

Walking to the Holloway campus usually takes around twenty minutes, although buses make the journey quicker.

Weekly rents generally range from £299 to £400.

Finsbury Park and Archway

Students looking to reduce accommodation costs often search a little further north.

Finsbury Park and Archway have a good supply of shared houses and private rentals, while the Piccadilly and Northern lines make travelling to campus straightforward.

Shared accommodation commonly ranges from £180 to £280 per week.

King's Cross and Clerkenwell

King's Cross has become one of London's best-connected student neighbourhoods.

Its transport links make travelling to both Holloway and Aldgate relatively simple, which appeals to students whose courses involve both campuses or placements across the city.

Accommodation prices usually fall between £240 and £432 per week.

Aldgate and Shoreditch

Students based at the Aldgate campus often choose accommodation in East London.

Shoreditch, Hoxton and Aldgate are all within easy reach and are well known for galleries, creative businesses and independent cafés.

Weekly rents generally range from £294 to £399.

Waterloo and Camberwell

Students working with a tighter budget sometimes look south of the River Thames.

Although the commute is longer, Waterloo and Camberwell usually offer better value than many parts of North London while remaining well connected by Underground and bus services.

Weekly accommodation costs often start around £200.

Area	Typical Weekly Rent	Journey to Campus	Best For
Holloway & Highbury	£299–£393	Walking	Living beside the main campus
Islington & Angel	£299–£400	15–20 mins	Restaurants, shops and nightlife
Finsbury Park & Archway	£180–£280	15–25 mins	Lower accommodation costs
King's Cross & Clerkenwell	£240–£432	15–20 mins	Central London access
Aldgate & Shoreditch	£294–£399	Close to Aldgate campus	Art and design students
Waterloo & Camberwell	£200–£263	30–45 mins	Budget-conscious students

For most students, the decision comes down to balancing rent with commuting time. Living close to Holloway Road is convenient, but moving slightly further away often opens up more affordable options without making the journey to university significantly longer.

London is one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, but by planning your budget carefully, student life can be made much more manageable. Accommodation is usually your major expense, while day-to-day spending varies a lot depending on where you live and how much you travel.

Most London Met students spend roughly £160 to £210 per week on regular living costs, not including rent.

Here’s an average weekly budget.

Expense	Average Weekly Cost
Groceries	£34
Transport	£0–£25
Household bills*	£16
Social activities	£14–£25
Mobile plan	£3–£5

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

Food and Groceries

The Holloway Road features a range of supermarkets, small shops for groceries and places to get food delivered making shopping easy without the need to travel far.

Students living around Finsbury Park, Archway and Islington also have access to discount stores and local markets to help keep weekly food bills low.

Sharing accommodation often reduces grocery costs further, especially when household essentials are bought together.

Transport

One advantage of studying at London Met is that many students can walk to campus.

Those living in Holloway, Highbury or parts of Islington often only use public transport when travelling elsewhere in London.

Students commuting from King's Cross, Shoreditch, Camberwell or Waterloo generally rely on the Underground or buses.

An 18+ Student Oyster photocard offers discounted Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes, making regular travel more affordable.

Household Bills

Students renting through private landlords should check exactly what's included in the rent.

Separate utility costs may include:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Water

• Broadband

Most purpose-built student accommodation includes these services within the weekly rent, making monthly budgeting more predictable.

Social Spending

North London offers plenty of places to spend time without travelling into the West End.

Students often meet around Holloway Road, Upper Street or King's Cross, while Camden and Shoreditch remain popular for evenings out.

Choosing local cafés, pubs and restaurants instead of central tourist areas can make a noticeable difference to your weekly spending.

Course Costs

Some programmes bring additional expenses during the academic year.

Students studying architecture, art or design may need to budget for:

• Printing

• Specialist materials

• Model-making supplies

• Software

• Portfolio production

Course costs vary widely, so it's useful to set aside a small amount throughout the semester rather than paying everything at once.

International Student Budget

Students applying for a UK Student visa to study in London currently need to show access to £1,529 per month for living costs, for up to nine months.

This figure is set for visa purposes and shouldn't be treated as an average weekly budget, but it provides a useful benchmark when planning your finances before arriving in the UK.

If you are seeking student accommodation close to London Metropolitan University, there is lots of choice.

Whether you are looking for total seclusion or want to keep the cost to a minimum, there are places to stay to suit all budgets and lifestyles.

Private room in shared house

It is still one of the most popular selections for London Met students.

You'll get your own private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom and living areas with other residents.

There are a lot of shared houses around the Holloway, Finsbury Park, Archway and Islington areas.

Weekly rents might start at between £180 and £280.

En-suite Rooms

An en-suite gives you a private bedroom and bathroom while keeping the kitchen and communal areas shared.

Many purpose-built student accommodation buildings offer this layout, making it a popular choice for students who want some privacy without paying for a studio.

Typical rents range from £200 to £350 per week.

Studios

A studio is entirely self-contained.

You will have your own private place with your own bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, perfect for students who want to live independently.

A studio is particularly popular with postgraduate students and those who study for lengthy periods at home.

From roughly £280 per week for basic studios, premium studios will cost more depending on the location.

Renting a whole flat

Some students coming back rent a whole flat or house with pals.

More space is often the benefit, but it entails sorting out utility bills and maintaining the tenancy yourself.

The cost will depend on the size of the property and its location.

Room Type	Typical Weekly Rent	Suitable For
Private room in a shared house	£180–£280	Students looking for lower rent
En-suite room	£200–£350	Students wanting a private bathroom
Studio	£280–£450+	Independent living
Entire flat or house	Varies	Groups of friends and mature students

Choosing between room types is usually a balance between budget and privacy. Shared accommodation keeps costs lower and gives you the chance to meet other students, while studios provide a quieter space for studying and everyday life.

One of the benefits of studying at London Met is the range of accommodation accessible in North and Central London. Most students choose either purpose-designed student accommodation or private homes close to either the Holloway Road or Aldgate campus, as the university does not have its own halls.

If you are looking for private student accommodation near London Metropolitan University, these properties are some of the closest and most convenient.

Highbury Chapter

Highbury Chapter is one of the closest student houses to the Holloway Road campus.

It’s less than a five-minute walk from the campus which makes it a popular alternative among students who wish to skip commuting completely.

The property has modern rooms, communal social spaces and study facilities and the Holloway Road tube station is just a short walk away.

• Distance from campus: .14 miles

• Walking time: around 3 min

• Weekly rent: starting at £393

AXO Islington

Located just south of Holloway, AXO Islington offers a convenient location without being directly beside campus.

Students can either walk to lectures or use nearby bus services.

The surrounding area has supermarkets, cafés and local restaurants within easy reach.

• Distance: 0.73 miles

• Walking time: Around 16 minutes

• Weekly rent: From £299

Chapter Islington

Chapter Islington places students close to Upper Street while keeping the university within walking distance.

The location suits students who enjoy having restaurants, independent shops and entertainment nearby.

• Distance: 0.82 miles

• Walking time: Around 17 minutes

• Weekly rent: From £334

Chapter King's Cross

Students wanting to live in central London often consider Chapter King's Cross.

The property has excellent transport links, making it easy to reach both Holloway Road and the Aldgate campus.

It's also close to one of London's biggest rail and Underground interchanges.

• Distance: 1.82 miles

• Journey: Around 15 minutes by public transport

• Weekly rent: From £335

Student Living Heights

Student Living Heights offers another centrally located option.

Its position makes commuting straightforward while giving students quick access to King's Cross, Clerkenwell and the City.

• Distance: 1.8 miles

• Journey: Around 18 minutes

• Weekly rent: From £432

Chapter Old Street

Students attending the Aldgate campus often consider Chapter Old Street because of its location close to Shoreditch and East London.

The property also remains well connected to Holloway Road through the Underground network.

• Distance to Holloway campus: 2.83 miles

• Journey: Around 27 minutes

• Weekly rent: From £294

Romano Court

Romano Court offers one of the more affordable options within central London.

Students can reach the Holloway campus in around half an hour while remaining close to King's Cross and Clerkenwell.

• Distance: 2.71 miles

• Journey: Around 33 minutes

• Weekly rent: From £240

Property	Weekly Rent	Distance to Holloway Campus	Best For
Chapter Highbury	From £393	0.14 miles	Walking to lectures
AXO Islington	From £299	0.73 miles	Living near Holloway
Chapter Islington	From £334	0.82 miles	Islington lifestyle
Chapter King's Cross	From £335	1.82 miles	Central London access
Student Living Heights	From £432	1.8 miles	Premium accommodation
Chapter Old Street	From £294	2.83 miles	Aldgate students
Romano Court	From £240	2.71 miles	Central location at a lower price

Students searching for london metropolitan university student accommodation usually compare location first, followed by rent and room type. Living within walking distance is convenient, but properties slightly further away often offer lower prices while keeping journey times manageable.

Finding student accommodation close to London Metropolitan University doesn't necessarily mean paying the highest rents in North London.

Several student residences offer lower weekly prices while remaining well connected to campus by Underground, rail or bus.

AXO Waterloo

AXO Waterloo is one of the most affordable purpose-built student accommodation options available.

Although it's south of the River Thames, direct transport links keep the journey to Holloway Road straightforward.

Weekly rents start from £200.

Chelsea Lightfoot Hall

Students looking for lower accommodation costs sometimes choose Chelsea Lightfoot Hall.

The commute is longer, but the lower weekly rent appeals to students working with a tighter budget.

Rooms start from £225 per week.

Townhall Camberwell

Camberwell offers a quieter residential setting with regular buses into central London.

Townhall Camberwell combines comparatively affordable rent with good transport connections.

Weekly prices begin at £230.

The Cube Ealing

Students prepared for a longer commute often find better value in West London.

The Cube Ealing offers lower weekly rents while remaining accessible by Underground and rail.

Prices start from £235 per week.

Romano Court

Romano Court appears in both premium and affordable comparisons because of its location.

For students wanting to stay reasonably close to the university without paying some of the higher Holloway prices, it represents good value.

Rooms start from £240 per week.

Other Budget-Friendly Options

Students also compare properties including:

• Surrey Quays Landale House

• Creek Court

• Grand Felda House

• Ewen Henderson Court

• Portobello Garrow House

Although these properties are further from campus, they remain practical choices for students who don't mind commuting in exchange for lower accommodation costs.

Property	Weekly Rent	Typical Journey to Holloway
AXO Waterloo	From £200	Around 32 mins
Chelsea Lightfoot Hall	From £225	Around 41 mins
Townhall Camberwell	From £230	Around 57 mins
The Cube Ealing	From £235	Around 61 mins
Romano Court	From £240	Around 33 mins
Surrey Quays Landale House	From £245	Around 46 mins
Creek Court	From £245	Around 68 mins
Grand Felda House	From £246	Around 50 mins

Students looking for private shared student accommodation near London Metropolitan University or shared student accommodation near London Metropolitan University often find the best value by widening their search beyond Holloway itself. A slightly longer commute can reduce weekly rent while still providing reliable access to campus throughout the academic year.

London Metropolitan University is well connected by Underground, bus and rail services, making it easy to travel from almost anywhere in the capital.

Students attending the Holloway Road campus benefit from one of the most convenient locations in North London, while those based at Aldgate also have excellent transport options nearby.

Walking

Students living in Holloway, Highbury or parts of Islington can usually reach the main campus on foot.

Walking times are often between five and twenty minutes depending on where you live.

London Underground

The Holloway Road campus sits directly opposite Holloway Road Underground station on the Piccadilly line.

Students can also reach Highbury & Islington station within a short walk, giving access to:

• Victoria line

• London Overground

• National Rail services

These connections make travelling across London relatively straightforward.

Starting Area	Typical Journey	Main Route
Holloway	Walking	On foot
Highbury	10–15 mins	Walking or Tube
Islington	15–20 mins	Bus or walking
King's Cross	Around 15 mins	Piccadilly line
Finsbury Park	Around 15 mins	Piccadilly line
Aldgate	30–40 mins	Underground

Buses

Several bus routes run along Holloway Road throughout the day, connecting the university with Camden, King's Cross, Islington, Archway and Central London.

Students living further away often find buses just as practical as the Underground for shorter journeys.

National Rail

King's Cross and St Pancras International are only a couple of Underground stops from Holloway Road.

This gives students quick access to rail services across the UK, including destinations such as Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Cycling

Cycling is another popular option for students living nearby.

Cycle routes connect Holloway with King's Cross, Camden and Central London, while Santander Cycle docking stations are available across many neighbouring districts.

Airport Connections

Students travelling internationally can reach London's airports without much difficulty.

Airport	Typical Journey
Heathrow	Around 55 mins
Gatwick	Around 1 hour
Luton	Around 1 hour
Stansted	Around 1 hour

Good transport links are one of the main reasons many students choose student accommodation close to London Metropolitan University. Living a little further from campus doesn't necessarily mean a difficult commute, as Underground and bus services connect most student neighbourhoods directly to both the Holloway Road and Aldgate campuses.