The London Film School Accommodation

The London Film School (LFS) was established in 1956 and is the oldest film school in the UK.

Unlike larger universities, LFS operates as a specialist postgraduate conservatoire focused entirely on filmmaking and related disciplines. Teaching takes place from its campus on Shelton Street, Covent Garden, inside a converted brewery that sits only a few minutes from both Covent Garden and Leicester Square Underground stations.

The school is known for its practical approach to learning.

Rather than separating theory and production, students spend much of their time planning, filming, editing and producing projects throughout their course. Collaboration is central to the experience, with students regularly working across different production roles.

Some of the main postgraduate programmes include:

• MA Filmmaking
• MA Screenwriting
• MA Producing
• MA International Film Business

Short courses and professional workshops are also offered throughout the year.

LFS has a particularly international student community.

Around 70% of students come from more than 60 countries, creating a learning environment where different filmmaking traditions and perspectives naturally come together.

Many graduates have gone on to work across international cinema and television, with alumni including Mike Leigh, Michael Mann and Duncan Jones.

One of the advantages of studying at LFS is its location. Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and the South Bank are all within walking distance, placing students close to cinemas, production companies, theatres and cultural institutions that become part of everyday life throughout the course

Student life at LFS looks quite different from life at a large university.

The school is relatively small, and almost everyone is studying at postgraduate level. Much of your time is spent working with classmates on productions, whether that's preparing shoots, editing films or developing scripts. It's common for coursework and social life to overlap, simply because students spend so much time creating projects together.

With students coming from dozens of different countries, you'll also find a wide mix of filmmaking styles, experiences and perspectives within each cohort.

A Collaborative Environment

Film production depends on teamwork.

Directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, producers and sound designers regularly work together throughout the course, so you'll spend as much time learning from classmates as you do from formal teaching.

Many friendships begin through production work rather than organised student events.

Cinema and Film Culture

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Covent Garden is having London's film scene on your doorstep.

Students regularly visit places such as:

• BFI Southbank
• Curzon Soho
• Prince Charles Cinema
• Leicester Square cinemas
• Independent screenings across Soho

Film festivals, special screenings and industry events also take place throughout the year, giving students opportunities to watch new work and meet people already working in the industry.

Food and Social Spaces

Covent Garden has no shortage of places to eat or meet between classes.

Students often spend time around:

• Seven Dials
• Neal's Yard
• Soho
• Covent Garden Market
• South Bank

The variety means you can grab a quick coffee before class, meet your production team over lunch or spend an evening discussing projects after a screening without travelling far from campus.

Creative Neighbourhoods

Living near LFS also means being close to some of London's best-known creative districts.

Areas such as Soho, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and South Bank are home to production companies, post-production studios, galleries, theatres and creative businesses.

For many students, these neighbourhoods become just as important as the classroom throughout their degree.

Health and Everyday Essentials

Students moving to London should register with a local NHS GP after arriving.

Pharmacies, supermarkets, banks and other everyday services are all available within walking distance of the school, while larger hospitals such as University College London Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital are easily reached by public transport.

Student Life Outside the Classroom

LFS doesn't have the traditional campus experience found at larger universities.

Instead, London itself becomes part of student life.

A typical week might include lectures during the day, filming in the evening, editing over the weekend, and finishing with a screening at the BFI or one of the cinemas around Leicester Square. For many students, that close connection to the city's film industry is one of the biggest reasons for choosing the London Film School accommodation close to central London

Choosing where to live usually comes down to two things: your budget and how often you'll need to be on campus.

Film students often finish projects late in the evening, so many prefer accommodation with straightforward transport or a manageable walk home.

Covent Garden and Holborn

Living in Covent Garden means you're only a few minutes from the school.

It's one of London's busiest neighbourhoods, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, independent cafés and cinemas.

The convenience is difficult to match, although accommodation here is also among the most expensive.

Weekly rents generally range between £400 and £650.

Waterloo and South Bank

Waterloo offers a good balance between location and price.

Many students either walk across Waterloo Bridge or catch a short bus to campus.

The area is also home to the BFI Southbank, making it particularly appealing for postgraduate film students who spend time watching screenings alongside their coursework.

Accommodation usually ranges from £200 to £340 per week.

Clerkenwell and King's Cross

Clerkenwell sits just north-east of Covent Garden and has become well known for creative businesses, production companies and post-production studios.

King's Cross adds excellent transport connections, making both areas practical for students travelling across London for shoots.

Typical weekly rents fall between £240 and £430.

Westminster and Lambeth

Students looking for quieter surroundings sometimes choose Westminster or Lambeth.

Both areas remain close to central London while offering quick bus and Underground connections back to campus.

Accommodation is generally more expensive, with many properties costing around £500 per week or more.

Shoreditch and Old Street

Old Street and Shoreditch attract many students working in creative industries.

Independent production companies, studios, galleries and co-working spaces are spread across the area, creating opportunities to meet people working beyond the classroom.

The journey to LFS is usually around thirty minutes by public transport.

Weekly rents often begin at around £290.

Camberwell

Camberwell sits further south but remains a popular choice for students who want lower accommodation costs.

Direct bus routes into central London make commuting relatively straightforward, while rents are generally lower than those found around Covent Garden.

Weekly accommodation costs commonly range between £225 and £265.

Students following a two-year postgraduate programme often look beyond the closest neighbourhoods. A slightly longer commute can reduce accommodation costs considerably over the course of the degree while still keeping central London within easy reach

Living in central London comes with higher day-to-day costs than many other UK cities, but careful budgeting can make things much more manageable. Film students also tend to have expenses that don't always apply to other postgraduate courses, so it's worth planning ahead from the start.

Excluding rent, most students at LFS spend around £180 to £240 per week on everyday living costs.

A typical weekly budget looks like this.

*Bills mainly apply to private rentals where utilities are not included.

Food and Groceries

Buying groceries around Covent Garden can be expensive if you rely on convenience stores every day.

Many students shop at larger supermarkets outside the West End and pick up smaller items closer to home when needed. Planning meals in advance and cooking with housemates can also reduce weekly spending.

Transport

LFS is within walking distance of several Underground stations, including Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road.

Students living in Waterloo, Holborn or parts of King's Cross often walk to campus instead of using public transport every day.

Those travelling further usually benefit from applying for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which offers discounted Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.

Late-night buses are particularly useful for students returning from evening editing sessions or location shoots.

Household Bills

Private accommodation doesn't always include utilities within the rent.

Before signing a tenancy, check whether you'll need to budget separately for:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Broadband

Purpose-built student accommodation often includes these costs, making monthly budgeting much simpler.

Social Spending

Film students naturally spend time around London's cinemas, theatres and cultural venues.

The BFI Southbank, Curzon cinemas, independent screenings and cafés around Soho and Covent Garden become regular meeting places throughout the year.

Although entertainment costs can add up, many venues also offer student discounts and reduced ticket prices.

Course Costs

Production work brings additional expenses that are easy to overlook when planning a budget.

Depending on your projects, you may need to pay for:

• External hard drives
• Camera accessories
• Travel to filming locations
• Festival submissions
• Printing
• Storage media
• Production materials

These costs vary from project to project, but setting aside a small amount each month can make larger expenses easier to manage later.

International Student Budget

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

This figure is set by the Home Office for visa purposes and shouldn't be viewed as the average amount students actually spend each month. It does, however, provide a useful benchmark when planning your finances before moving to London

Accommodation near LFS ranges from shared student housing to self-contained studios in central London.

The right choice depends on your budget, your working style and how much privacy you need outside class.

Private Room in a Shared House

Many postgraduate students choose a private bedroom within a shared house or flat.

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

This is often the most affordable option near central London.

Typical rents begin around £200 to £250 per week.

En-suite Rooms

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

This works well for students who want more personal space but still enjoy living with others.

Weekly rents generally start between £240 and £300.

Studios

Studios combine your bedroom, kitchen and bathroom into one private space.

Many postgraduate students prefer this setup because it provides somewhere quiet to edit footage, write scripts or prepare coursework without interruptions.

Studios are usually the most expensive accommodation type, with prices commonly starting from £335 to £400 per week.

Renting an Entire Flat

Some students rent an entire flat together after getting to know classmates during the course.

This can provide more space than purpose-built student accommodation, although tenants usually arrange utility bills, internet and other services themselves.

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

Many LFS students spend long hours working on productions outside normal teaching hours. Choosing accommodation isn't only about price. A quieter room, a shorter journey home after evening shoots or enough space to work on projects can make a noticeable difference over the length of a postgraduate course

Finding the right accommodation as an LFS student often comes down to balancing three things: commuting time, budget and the type of space you need outside class. Some students want to be within walking distance of campus, while others are happy travelling a little further if it means paying less each week.

House of Student offers accommodation across central and greater London, giving students a range of options depending on their priorities.

Grosvenor House

Grosvenor House is one of the closest student properties to The London Film School.

Located less than half a mile from campus, it allows students to walk to lectures in just a few minutes, making it particularly useful for those working long production days or late editing sessions.

Rooms start from £650 per week, reflecting its central Covent Garden location.

AXO Waterloo

AXO Waterloo combines one of the lowest starting prices with an excellent location.

Students can either walk across Waterloo Bridge or take a short bus journey to campus. Being close to the BFI Southbank is another advantage for anyone studying film.

Prices begin from £200 per week.

Romano Court

Romano Court offers a practical option in Clerkenwell.

The journey to LFS takes around twenty minutes by public transport, while the surrounding area is home to creative businesses, cafés and independent restaurants.

Rooms start from £240 per week.

Chapter Kings Cross

Students looking for strong transport connections often consider Chapter Kings Cross.

King's Cross provides quick Underground links across London, making it easier to reach filming locations, internships and production companies throughout the city.

Accommodation starts from £335 per week.

Manna Ash House

Located close to Waterloo, Manna Ash House offers convenient access to both LFS and the South Bank.

The surrounding area includes cinemas, galleries and cultural venues that many film students regularly visit outside class.

Prices begin from £340 per week.

Chapter Westminster

Chapter Westminster suits students who prefer a quieter neighbourhood while remaining close to central London.

The commute to campus is straightforward by bus or Underground, and the area provides quick access to the Thames and Westminster.

Weekly rents start from £516.

Chapter Old Street

Old Street has become one of London's best-known creative districts.

Students interested in production, editing and independent filmmaking often appreciate the area's studios, co-working spaces and creative businesses.

Rooms begin from £294 per week.

Student Living Heights

Student Living Heights provides another well-connected option north of central London.

With several Underground lines nearby, students can reach Covent Garden without complicated journeys while living in a larger student community.

Accommodation starts from £432 per week.

Comparing the Main Options

The best option depends on how you plan to spend your time outside class. Students who expect to be on campus most days often prioritise location, while those on longer postgraduate courses sometimes choose accommodation a little further away to reduce overall housing costs

Studying in central London doesn't necessarily mean paying central London prices.

Several House of Student properties offer lower weekly rents while keeping commuting times reasonable.

AXO Waterloo

AXO Waterloo remains one of the strongest value options for LFS students.

With rooms starting from £200 per week, it combines affordable accommodation with a journey of around twenty minutes to campus.

Its location near Waterloo also places students close to the BFI Southbank and several independent cinemas.

Chelsea Lightfoot Hall

Students looking for lower accommodation costs may also consider Chelsea Lightfoot Hall.

Although the journey to LFS is longer than Waterloo, public transport provides direct connections into central London.

Rooms start from £225 per week.

Townhall Camberwell

Camberwell has long attracted students studying creative subjects.

Townhall Camberwell offers accommodation from £230 per week, making it one of the more affordable options for postgraduate students prepared to commute.

Romano Court

Romano Court strikes a balance between price and location.

Starting from £240 per week, it offers a shorter commute than many similarly priced properties while keeping students close to central London.

Surrey Quays Landale House

Students willing to travel a little further each day may find better value around Surrey Quays.

Accommodation starts from £245 per week, with straightforward public transport connections into the West End.

Other Budget-Friendly Options

Several additional House of Student properties also offer competitive prices, including:

• Creek Court (£245 per week)
• Grand Felda House (£246 per week)
• Ewen Henderson Court (£258 per week)
• Portobello Garrow House (£263 per week)

These properties involve longer journeys to LFS but may suit students looking to reduce accommodation costs over a two-year postgraduate course.

When comparing the London Film School accommodation, it's worth looking beyond rent alone. A slightly higher weekly price may reduce commuting time, while a longer journey could lower your housing costs over the duration of your course. Comparing both together usually gives a better picture of overall value

The London Film School is based on Shelton Street in Covent Garden, placing it within walking distance of several major Underground stations. Students can reach campus from most parts of London without complicated journeys, making it practical to live beyond the immediate city centre if needed.

Walking

Students living in Covent Garden, Holborn or parts of Soho rarely need public transport for their daily commute.

Many journeys take no more than ten or fifteen minutes on foot.

London Underground

The nearest Underground stations include:

• Covent Garden
• Leicester Square
• Tottenham Court Road

Together they provide access to the Piccadilly, Northern, Central and Elizabeth lines, connecting LFS with student neighbourhoods across London.

Buses

London's bus network is especially useful for film students working late.

Night buses continue running after the Underground closes, making it easier to return home following evening shoots, screenings or editing sessions.

Students living south of the River Thames often rely on buses for their daily commute.

Cycling

Cycling is another popular option for students living within a few miles of campus.

Santander Cycle docking stations are available throughout Covent Garden, Soho and Westminster, while dedicated cycle routes continue to expand across central London.

National Rail

Several major railway stations are within easy reach of LFS.

Students can reach:

• Charing Cross
• Waterloo
• King's Cross
• St Pancras International
• Euston

within a short Underground or bus journey, making travel around the UK relatively straightforward.

Airport Connections

International travel is also convenient from central London.

Good transport is particularly valuable for LFS students. Production work doesn't always finish during normal working hours, so having reliable Underground, bus and rail connections makes travelling across London much easier throughout the course