Why is London attractive to students from around the world?

While many other countries known for welcoming overseas students are putting tighter restrictions on their universities, the UK has recorded a 29% increase in student visa applications for the first five months of 2025. With admissions to top US universities like Harvard and MIT getting tougher, overseas students from countries like China, India and Malaysia, who already links the UK, are choosing London to pursue their higher education.

Why do students choose London?

As a melting pot of different nationalities, cultures, and socio-political beliefs, London offers a truly cosmopolitan appeal, appreciated by the international student community. As the only city in the world with 15 colleges universities in the top 500 globally, the UK capital stands out on all metrics, leading all other European, Asian, Australian and North American cities for quality of education opportunities.

Out of the over half a million overseas students who get a UK student visa each year, a tenth of those end up in London due to the high concentration of reputed universities. Top-ranked institutions, such as the Imperial College of London (ICL), University College London (UCL), King’s College and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are among the most favoured by overseas students.

Student-friendly areas in London

The UK capital has nearly 400,000 students residing within its 32 boroughs and studying across its 40 universities. From affordable rents to lively neighbourhoods, world-class amenities and ease of commute, students look for all these things when picking a place to live. While most London neighbourhoods offer all of these and more, there are a few areas that stand out for renting.

Bloomsbury

Home to prestigious universities like UCL, the University of London and SOAS, Bloomsbury is an academic district favoured by students for its educational appeal and proximity to cultural attractions. However, being in central London, rentals in this area come with a premium.

Shoreditch

Located in London’s East End, Shoreditch is a thriving area for tech startups and has an edgy feel to it that is loved by students and younger generations. Trendy cafes and a vibrant nightlife are some of the other reasons students look to rent in Shoreditch.

Camden Town

Known for its outdoor markets and music concerts that celebrate different iconic subcultures, along with many ethnic and street food stalls, students enjoy the vibe and treats offered in Camden. Proximity to popular open spaces like Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park is another reason students choose to rent here.

King’s Cross

A mega transport hub, with rail connections to different European cities, King’s Cross is a bustling Zone 1 district sought after by students. Active regeneration in the area has led to the development of many new homes available for rent.

Accommodation and affordability

While there are several college hostels and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) in London that offer student residency, the need for privacy and exclusivity has led many overseas students and their parents to invest in a London property. Despite central London and Zone 1 postcodes being expensive, international buyers from India and China continue to invest in these areas for their children.

London also has one of the best intracity transport networks in the world, with an integrated Underground and Overground railway system that covers the entire length, breadth and width of the city. With ongoing regeneration across several neighbourhoods, many parents also look at investing in new build properties close to a station for their children to have a comfortable and easy commute to their colleges.

Support from Benham and Reeves

As one of London’s most reputable estate and letting agents, with 21 local branches and 14 overseas offices, Benham and Reeves has helped thousands of foreign property buyers find their dream home to support their children’s education. High rental yields combined with strong capital appreciation are some of the other long-term benefits of owning a home in the UK capital.

Our relationship extends beyond just finding and securing a property, as we offer a range of professional letting services to support you on your landlord journey, even after your child graduates from university. You can read our renting guide for international students, and contact us to learn more about London property investments and grow your portfolio.

FAQs

Q1. Is London a good city for students?

A1. Consistently ranked as the best student city in the world, London has the highest number of top-ranked universities with world-renowned faculty and teaching staff.

Q2. Where do most students live in London?

A2. Most overseas students prefer residing close to their university, with areas such as Camden, King’s Cross, Bloomsbury and Shoreditch highly sought after.

Q3. Can international students rent in London?

A3. Yes, international students with an eligible visa can rent anywhere in London as per their budget and other needs.

Q4. What is the average rent for students in London?

A4. Rents are dynamic in London, with central London postcodes more expensive than outer London. The size, location and amenities provided will determine the rent.