University Of Greenwich Accommodation

The University of Greenwich received university status in 1992, although its origins go back much further to Woolwich Polytechnic, founded in 1890. Today, it has around 27,000 students studying across three campuses, combining a long academic history with one of the most recognisable university settings in the country.

The main Greenwich Campus sits within the Old Royal Naval College on Park Row, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the River Thames. Few universities can claim lecture theatres surrounded by historic buildings, riverside walkways and one of London's best-known public parks. Greenwich Market, the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark are all within walking distance, giving the campus a character that's difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Teaching is spread across three locations:

• Greenwich Campus – Home to subjects including architecture, business, law, computing and the built environment.
• Avery Hill Campus – Located in Eltham, primarily for education, health, nursing and teacher training.
• Medway Campus – Based at Chatham Maritime in Kent, offering programmes in engineering, pharmacy and science. Students looking for University of Greenwich Medway accommodation generally choose to live locally rather than commute from London because of the distance between campuses.

This guide mainly focuses on students studying at the Greenwich Campus in London. If you're researching student accommodation near University of Greenwich Medway, it's usually more practical to search within Chatham or Gillingham instead of central or South-East London.

One reason many applicants choose Greenwich is its balance between city life and a quieter local neighbourhood. Although central London is only minutes away by train or DLR, Greenwich itself feels more relaxed than many inner-London districts. Students can spend the afternoon in Greenwich Park, walk along the riverside after lectures or catch a train into London Bridge within minutes.

The university is also known for strong graduate outcomes across business, architecture, engineering, health, nursing and computing programmes. Eligible first-year students can usually apply for university-managed housing through the University of Greenwich accommodation portal, although places are limited and annual deadlines should always be checked before applying.

One of the biggest advantages of studying at Greenwich is that the university sits inside a neighbourhood that's already full of things to do. Rather than travelling across London for everything, students have museums, cafés, green spaces, markets and riverside walks right outside the campus gates.

Students' Union and Societies

The Greenwich Students' Union supports hundreds of student-led activities throughout the academic year. Societies cover everything from business and computing to photography, cultural groups, performing arts and volunteering. There are also numerous sports clubs competing in BUCS competitions alongside recreational sessions for students who simply want to stay active.

Throughout the year, the Students' Union organises welcome events, careers sessions, cultural celebrations and wellbeing activities, making it easier for new students to settle into university life.

Sport and Fitness

Students have access to university sports facilities alongside commercial gyms across Greenwich and nearby areas. Fitness centres, riverside running routes and Greenwich Park all sit within easy reach of campus, giving students plenty of options beyond indoor training.

Greenwich Park is particularly popular during spring and summer, with students often using it as an outdoor study space between lectures.

Food, Cafés and Evenings Out

Greenwich offers a good balance between independent businesses and familiar high-street brands.

You'll find:

• Greenwich Market's international street food.
• Independent cafés around Royal Hill and Greenwich Church Street.
• Riverside pubs overlooking the Thames.
• Restaurants covering everything from casual dining to international cuisine.

Students wanting a bigger night out can reach London Bridge, Shoreditch or Canary Wharf within a short journey using rail or the DLR.

Shopping and Everyday Essentials

Most daily shopping can be done locally. Greenwich has supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and convenience stores within walking distance of campus. For larger shopping trips, students often head to Lewisham Shopping Centre, Canary Wharf or Stratford, all of which are easily accessible by public transport.

Culture and Local Attractions

Living here means having some of London's best-known landmarks on your doorstep.

Popular places include:

• The Royal Observatory.
• National Maritime Museum.
• Cutty Sark.
• Greenwich Market.
• Old Royal Naval College.
• Greenwich Park.

Unlike many university cities where attractions require a day trip, these are places students pass regularly on their way to lectures.

The area also hosts seasonal markets, food festivals, outdoor events and cultural exhibitions throughout the year, giving students something new to explore beyond campus.

Healthcare and Student Support

Students should register with a local NHS GP soon after arriving in London. Pharmacies are available throughout Greenwich, while larger hospitals and specialist healthcare services are easily reached by public transport.

Whether you're living in university halls or University of Greenwich private accommodation, registering with local healthcare services early helps avoid unnecessary delays if medical support is needed later in the academic year.

Choosing where to live starts with one simple question: which campus will you use most? The University of Greenwich operates across London and Medway, and daily travel between them isn't something most students do. If your course is based at Greenwich Campus, living somewhere in South-East London will save both time and money. Students attending Medway generally look for University of Greenwich Medway accommodation closer to Chatham rather than commuting from London every day.

For students studying at Greenwich Campus, these are the areas worth considering.

Deptford / Creek Road

Distance to Greenwich Campus: Around 1 mile (15–20 minutes on foot)

Deptford has become one of the busiest student neighbourhoods in South-East London. The area mixes long-established local businesses with cafés, creative workspaces and independent food spots, giving it a character that feels very different from central London. Greenwich Campus is close enough to walk to, while Deptford Bridge DLR provides another quick option.

Most students choose Deptford because it offers one of the shortest commutes without paying premium Greenwich prices.

Typical weekly rent: £245–£305

Best suited for:

• Students who want to walk to lectures.
• Those looking for a lively local community rather than a tourist-heavy area.
• Anyone searching for accommodation near University of Greenwich without moving too far into central London.

Popular House of Student properties include:

• Creek Court
• McMillan Student Village

 

Greenwich Peninsula

Distance to Greenwich Campus: Around 1.3 miles

The Peninsula has changed dramatically over the past decade. Modern residential buildings, riverside walkways and the O2 Arena dominate the area today. Accommodation here generally consists of newer developments with contemporary facilities, making it a popular choice for students looking for newer buildings.

Although rents are usually higher than Deptford, transport connections via North Greenwich Underground Station make travelling across London straightforward.

Typical weekly rent: Around £320

Best suited for:

• Students looking for newer buildings and modern amenities.
• Those who regularly travel into Canary Wharf or Central London.
• Students interested in premium University of Greenwich private accommodation.

House of Student option:

• The Cube Greenwich

 

New Cross & Lewisham

Distance to Greenwich Campus: 2–2.5 miles

New Cross has been a student neighbourhood for years thanks to its proximity to both Goldsmiths and Greenwich. The atmosphere is energetic without feeling overly commercial, and buses run frequently between the area and campus.

Lewisham sits just beyond New Cross and gives students slightly more housing choice while keeping journey times reasonable. Both neighbourhoods offer a wider mix of private rentals and purpose-built student accommodation in Medway itself.

Typical weekly rent: £258–£307

Best suited for:

• Students who enjoy an active social scene.
• Those wanting straightforward public transport.
• Students comparing several options before deciding on University of Greenwich accommodation.

House of Student properties include:

• AXO New Cross
• Ewen Henderson Court
• Chapter Lewisham
• Ironworks House

Surrey Quays & Bermondsey

Distance to Greenwich Campus: Approximately 3–4 miles

These riverside districts appeal to students who want easy access to both Greenwich and Central London. Former docklands have gradually been redeveloped into residential neighbourhoods while still retaining plenty of green spaces and waterfront walks.

The commute takes a little longer than living in Deptford or New Cross, but transport links remain reliable throughout the day.

Typical weekly rent: £245–£335

Best suited for:

• Students balancing university with part-time work in central London.
• Those who prefer quieter residential streets.
• Students who don't mind spending slightly longer travelling each day.

Properties available include:

• Surrey Quays Landale House
• Element Bermondsey

Canning Town

Distance to Greenwich Campus: Around 3.5 miles

Canning Town has become one of East London's fastest-changing neighbourhoods. Large-scale regeneration has introduced modern apartment buildings, improved public spaces and excellent transport links through the Jubilee Line and DLR.

Students living here usually choose the area because it offers newer accommodation while remaining well connected to Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

Typical weekly rent: Around £299

Best suited for:

• Students looking for newer developments.
• Those travelling regularly across London.
• Anyone who values transport convenience over walking distance.

House of Student property:

• Ark Canning Town

Which area offers the best value?

Area	Weekly rent	Commute	Best for
Deptford / Creek Road	£245–£305	15–20 min walk	Overall balance of cost and convenience
Greenwich Peninsula	Around £320	Short bus or walk	Modern buildings and premium facilities
New Cross / Lewisham	£258–£307	15–25 min	Student atmosphere and nightlife
Surrey Quays / Bermondsey	£245–£335	20–30 min	Riverside living with good transport
Canning Town	Around £299	25–35 min	New developments and city connections

One final point is worth keeping in mind. Students sometimes assume every property listed under the university serves the same campus. That's rarely the case here. If your course is based in Greenwich, choosing housing close to the Thames makes daily life much easier. If you're studying in Kent, you'll usually find University of Greenwich Medway accommodation far more practical than travelling from London each morning.

Living in London naturally costs more than studying in many other parts of the UK, but careful planning makes it manageable. The biggest monthly expense will almost always be rent, followed by food and transport. Once accommodation is sorted, most students find their remaining costs fairly predictable.

Excluding rent, students at the University of Greenwich generally spend around £170-£220 per week, although this varies depending on travel habits and lifestyle. Someone living within walking distance of campus will usually spend noticeably less than a student commuting across London every day.

Here's a realistic breakdown of weekly living costs.

Expense	Typical Weekly Cost	Notes
Groceries & Food	£38-£48	Shopping at Aldi, Lidl, Tesco or Asda helps reduce costs. Greenwich Market and local cafés are great occasionally but aren't ideal for everyday budgeting.
Transport	£10-£30	Students living in Deptford or Greenwich often walk. Longer commutes from Lewisham, Canada Water or Canning Town increase weekly travel costs.
Household Bills	£18-£25	Mainly applies to private rentals. Most purpose-built student accommodation includes utilities within the rent.
Social Activities	£20-£40	Cinema, cafés, restaurants, pubs and occasional events around Greenwich or central London.
Mobile & Streaming	£4-£8	SIM-only contracts remain the cheapest option.
Course Materials	Varies	Architecture, engineering and design courses may require additional spending on printing, software or specialist equipment.

If you choose University of Greenwich private accommodation, always check whether electricity, heating, water and broadband are included before signing the tenancy. A slightly higher weekly rent can sometimes work out cheaper once bills are taken into account.

Students based at the Greenwich Campus have one practical advantage: many everyday journeys can be completed on foot. Living in areas such as Deptford or Creek Road means lectures, supermarkets, cafés and the town centre are all within walking distance, reducing transport costs over the course of the year.

For students travelling regularly from Lewisham, New Cross or Surrey Quays, Oyster and contactless fare capping help keep travel costs predictable. TfL student discounts may also reduce the cost of selected travelcards, depending on eligibility.

International students should also be aware of the financial requirements attached to a UK Student visa. For courses in London, the Home Office currently requires applicants to demonstrate access to £1,483 per month for living costs (up to nine months), separate from tuition fees. This figure is an immigration requirement rather than a guide to average spending, but it's an important benchmark when planning finances.

One question prospective students often ask concerns University of Greenwich accommodation prices. Costs vary considerably depending on room type and location. Shared rooms and en-suite accommodation generally provide the best value, while self-contained studios command a higher weekly rent because of the additional privacy and facilities. Properties within walking distance of Greenwich Campus also tend to attract stronger demand than those further away.

If you're comparing different options, don't focus on rent alone. A property that's £15 or £20 cheaper each week can become more expensive overall if you're spending that difference on trains or buses every day. Looking at the total weekly cost—including travel, bills and everyday essentials—usually gives a much clearer picture before making a decision.

In terms of finding the ideal student accommodation at the University of Greenwich, it’s not just about the location. The kind of room you choose will influence your daily routine, your budget and even how much you socialise with other students. Some students like to live in a busy shared flat, others prefer their own kitchen and quiet office.

What you may expect from the main types of accommodation.

Studio Apartments

With a studio, you have full independence. Your own bedroom, study space, kitchenette and bathroom means you don’t have to share facilities with anybody else.

This is popular with postgraduate students, senior students and anyone who likes their own schedule.

Average weekly price: £310–£420+

Ideal for:

• Students who care about privacy.
• Those having a hard study schedule.
• Couples (where allowed by the property).

Studios are more expensive than shared accommodation, but the increased privacy typically makes the extra investment worth it for students who work from home a lot.

Rooms en suite

En-suite rooms provide a nice balance between seclusion and communal life. You will have your own bedroom and bathroom, and share the kitchen and parlour with other residents.

Some of the favourite room types as they combine personal privacy with a friendly ambiance.

Typical weekly price: £245–£320

Suitable for:

• First-year students.
• Students moving to London for the first time.
• Anyone wanting their own bathroom without paying studio prices.

Many students searching for student accommodation at University of Greenwich choose en-suite rooms because they balance affordability with comfort.

Shared Flats

Shared flats remain one of the most economical choices in London. You'll have your own bedroom while sharing the kitchen, bathroom and communal spaces with your flatmates.

They're especially common among second and third-year students who already have friendship groups or want to reduce living costs.

Typical weekly price: £190–£280

Suitable for:

• Students on tighter budgets.
• Friends planning to live together.
• Students who enjoy a social home environment.

Living in a shared flat often reduces your overall housing costs while giving you the chance to build friendships outside the classroom.

Private Rooms in PBSA

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) generally refers to private bedrooms in professionally maintained buildings. Residents generally have access to community study rooms, gyms, lounges, laundry facilities and scheduled social events.

Many students considering private accommodation at the University of Greenwich prefer PBSA as bills are typically included, maintenance is on-site, and security is available 365 days a year.

Which room offers the best value?

Room Type	Privacy	Social Life	Budget
Shared Flat	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	£
En-suite	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	££
Studio	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	£££
Private PBSA Room	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	££

Choosing the right room ultimately comes down to your priorities. If keeping costs low is the main goal, shared accommodation usually offers the best value. If you'd rather have your own space without stretching to a studio budget, an en-suite room is often the strongest all-round option.

Students looking for student accommodation near University of Greenwich usually prioritise three things: a manageable commute, good transport links and a building that offers facilities suited to student life. House of Student lists accommodation across South-East London that covers a range of budgets while keeping travel to campus straightforward.

Property	Distance	Transit	Starting From
Creek Court	0.8 Miles	6 min	£245/week
McMillan Student Village	1.0 Mile	8 min	£255/week
AXO New Cross	1.8 Miles	15 min	£258/week
Ewen Henderson Court	2.0 Miles	18 min	£275/week
Chapter Lewisham	2.4 Miles	20 min	£307/week
Ironworks House	2.6 Miles	22 min	£299/week
The Cube Greenwich	1.3 Miles	10 min	£320/week
Surrey Quays Landale House	2.9 Miles	24 min	£245/week
Element Bermondsey	3.6 Miles	28 min	£335/week
Ark Canning Town	3.8 Miles	25 min	£299/week

Students wanting the shortest journey usually begin with Creek Court or McMillan Student Village, both of which allow you to reach Greenwich Campus comfortably without relying on lengthy public transport.

If you'd rather live somewhere with stronger links into Central London, Chapter Lewisham, Ironworks House and Ark Canning Town offer faster connections across the city while still keeping the university within a reasonable commute.

Students looking for more premium University of Greenwich accommodation often consider The Cube Greenwich, thanks to its newer facilities and convenient location close to the Thames.

Rather than focusing only on distance, it's worth considering how you'll actually travel each day. A property that's slightly further away but located beside a DLR or rail station can often prove more practical than somewhere that's technically closer but less well connected.

Studying in London doesn't automatically mean paying premium rents. While Greenwich itself is one of the capital's more desirable neighbourhoods, several nearby areas offer good-quality accommodation at more manageable prices. The key is to balance rent against commuting costs rather than focusing on weekly rent alone.

Students searching for student accommodation university of Greenwich often find that living a little outside the immediate campus area can reduce accommodation costs without adding an unreasonable journey.

Property	Distance	Transit	Starting From
Creek Court	0.8 Miles	6 min	£245/week
Surrey Quays Landale House	2.9 Miles	24 min	£245/week
McMillan Student Village	1.0 Mile	8 min	£255/week
AXO New Cross	1.8 Miles	15 min	£258/week
Ewen Henderson Court	2.0 Miles	18 min	£275/week
Ironworks House	2.6 Miles	22 min	£299/week
Ark Canning Town	3.8 Miles	25 min	£299/week
Chapter Lewisham	2.4 Miles	20 min	£307/week

Creek Court continues to be one of the strongest value options because it combines a relatively low weekly rent with one of the shortest journeys to Greenwich Campus. Students can comfortably walk to lectures while avoiding regular transport expenses.

McMillan Student Village is another practical choice. Although the weekly rent is slightly higher, the location means students remain close to supermarkets, cafés and everyday amenities, reducing additional living costs throughout the year.

For students who don't mind using public transport, AXO New Cross offers a lively student neighbourhood with straightforward bus and rail connections to campus. The area has long been popular with university students, giving newcomers an established student community from the start.

If modern facilities matter more than having the shortest commute, Chapter Lewisham, Ironworks House and Ark Canning Town are worth considering. These properties generally provide newer buildings and good communal spaces while remaining well connected to Greenwich.

Students looking for accommodation near University of Greenwich should remember that the cheapest weekly rent isn't always the cheapest option overall. Paying slightly more for a property within walking distance can often work out better than relying on public transport every day across London.

One of the biggest advantages of studying at the University of Greenwich is how well connected the main campus is. Whether you're living within walking distance or commuting from another part of South-East London, reaching lectures is usually straightforward thanks to London's extensive public transport network.

For most students, daily travel involves a combination of walking, the DLR, Southeastern rail services and local buses. The best option depends largely on where you decide to live.

Walking and Cycling

Many of the most popular student neighbourhoods sit close enough to campus for walking to become part of the daily routine.

Students living around Deptford, Creek Road or central Greenwich can usually reach the Park Row campus within 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Walking not only reduces travel costs but also means you avoid delays during peak commuting hours.

Cycling is another practical option. The Thames Path and dedicated cycle routes around Greenwich provide relatively flat journeys, making commuting easier than in many other parts of London. Several student accommodation buildings also provide secure bicycle storage.

Bus and DLR Connections

Students living slightly further away generally rely on London's bus network or the Docklands Light Railway.

Area	Main Route	Typical Journey
Deptford / Creek Road	Walk or DLR	5–20 min
New Cross / Lewisham	177, 188 & 199 bus routes or Southeastern rail	15–25 min
Surrey Quays / Canada Water	Overground plus bus or DLR connections	20–30 min
Greenwich Peninsula	Local buses and walking	10–20 min

Students living in student accommodation near University of Greenwich rarely need multiple changes during their journey, which helps keep commuting simple even during busy periods.

Travelling Between Greenwich and Medway

Students sometimes assume they can easily travel between campuses every day. While this is technically possible, it isn't how most students organise their accommodation.

The Medway Campus is approximately 50–70 minutes away by rail using Southeastern services towards Chatham or Gillingham. Because of this, students studying there generally choose University of Greenwich Medway accommodation instead of travelling from London throughout the week.

Likewise, students based in Greenwich rarely commute to Medway unless occasional teaching or university events require it.

National Rail Connections

Greenwich and Maze Hill stations provide quick rail access across London and beyond.

Typical journey times include:

Destination	Approximate Time
London Bridge	8–10 min
Cannon Street	15 min
Chatham	50–60 min
Gatwick Airport	Around 1 hour (via London Bridge)

These connections make weekend travel and trips home relatively straightforward without needing to cross central London first.

Airport Access

The University of Greenwich enjoys one of the strongest airport connections of any London university.

London City Airport can usually be reached in around 20–25 minutes via the DLR, making it particularly convenient for international students and those travelling during university holidays.

Gatwick Airport is also easily accessible, typically taking around one hour via London Bridge using National Rail services.