Navigating Accommodation at UCL: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Choosing university accommodation, especially as a fresher, can be a daunting task. There’s so much to consider - location, costs, facilities, etc. This guide aims to help students navigate life at University College London (UCL) by providing a comprehensive overview of accommodation options, advice, and key considerations.

Understanding UCL

Established in 1826 as London University by founders inspired by the ideas of English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, UCL was the first university institution to be established in the city, and the first in England to admit students regardless of their religion. In 1836, it became one of the two founding colleges of the University of London, which was granted a Royal Charter in the same year. It has grown through mergers, including with the Institute of Neurology (in 1997), the Royal Free Hospital Medical School (in 1998), the Eastman Dental Institute (in 1999), the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (in 1999), the School of Pharmacy (in 2012) and the Institute of Education (in 2014).

UCL’s main campus sits in Bloomsbury, with a number of institutes and teaching hospitals based in other parts of central London, as well as a satellite campus in Doha, Qatar. UCL is organised into 11 constituent faculties, within which there are over 100 departments, institutes and research centres. Its faculties are of Arts and Humanities, Brain Sciences, the Built Environment, Engineering Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Population Health Sciences, Social and Historical Sciences and Education.

UCL has had almost 40,000 students and 14,200 staff, including around 7,100 academic staff and 840 professors. It ranks highly in worldwide league tables and its graduates rank among the most employable in the world. Other notable alumni include TV presenter Jonathan Dimbleby, all members of Coldplay, comedian Ricky Gervais and film director Christopher Nolan.

UCL academics are credited with the discovering five of the naturally-occurring noble gases, co-discovered hormones, invented the vacuum tube, and made several foundational advances in modern statistics. There are at least 29 Nobel Prize winners and three Fields medallists amongst UCL's alumni and current and former staff. Cross-disciplinary research is one of UCL’s top priorities and it orientates its research around four of what it calls ‘grand challenges’, which are global health, sustainable cities, intercultural interaction, and human wellbeing. UCL recently had a total research income of £427.5 million, which was the third-highest of any British university, after the University of Oxford and Imperial College London.

University College London Hospital is viewed as one of the country’s leading medical training and clinical teaching complexes. The University College Hospital’s education centre features state-of-the-art facilities that provide opportunities to healthcare professionals, enabling them to learn vital skills and improve their knowledge. It is situated on Euston Road, within walking distance of Euston Railway Station and also close to Euston Square tube stations. The hospital itself was unveiled by the Queen in 2005. The new education centre is custom-built to meet medical training needs, giving healthcare staff the best possible chance to develop their talents.

UCL Accommodation Options

Finding and deciding on accommodation at university is one of the key decisions that shape your university experience. UCL offers a variety of accommodation options, including halls of residence and intercollegiate halls. It's important to note that Universal Student Living offers private student accommodation in London and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by University College London.

UCL Halls of Residence

UCL Halls of Residence provide a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Here's an overview of some of the halls:

Astor College: Located in Zone A, Band 1, Astor College is a brand new accommodation entirely for undergraduates. It has accessible accommodation available and is completely self-catered. It offers 185 single rooms, 82 single ensuites, three twin rooms, 12 duplex ensuites, and six studios. The closest tube station is Goodge Street, with UCL Bloomsbury Campus being an eight-minute walk away.
John Dodgson House: Situated in Zone A, Band 2, John Dodgson House is also for undergraduates. This accommodation is self-catered, with accessible options available for students with restricted mobility.

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Ian Baker House: This undergraduate accommodation, located in Zone A, Band 3, offers self-catered rooms, 84 of which are singles and six of which are ensuites. It has communal kitchens and a reception which is nearby at Ramsay Hall. The accommodation has a bike storage, a common room, computer room, games tables, laundry room, music room, outside space, post and printing facilities, study areas, a TV room, and vending machines, all shared with Ramsay Hall. Regarding rooms, the cheapest option would be a Large Single at £281.12 per week, and the highest cost would be a Single Ensuite at £321.23 per week. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations are Great Portland Street and Goodge Street.
Frances Gardner House: Exclusively for undergraduates, Frances Gardner House, located in Zone A, Band 4, offers 214 ensuite self-catered rooms. The Double Ensuite option is £407.40 per week, and the Single Ensuite is £321.23 per week. Security includes reception staff on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as well as roaming security from 7pm to 8am.
Garden Halls: Garden Halls is perhaps the fanciest student accommodation out of this list, providing undergraduates and postgraduates with self-catered and catered single options, it is entirely managed by the University of London. Fees differ depending on the rooms chosen out of the 10 options available. The closest tube stations include King’s Cross, Euston, Euston Square, and Russell Square.
Ramsay Hall: Located in Zone A, Band 4, Ramsay Hall is fully catered and only for undergraduates, as well as being suitable for under 18s. It has 457 single rooms, seven twin rooms, and two studios. Facilities include bike storage, a common room, a computer room, games tables, a laundry room, lifts, a music room, outside space, post and printing facilities, a reception, study areas, a library, a TV room, and vending machines. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Great Portland Street, Goodge Street, Warren Street, Euston Square, and Russell Square.
Schafer House: It is for undergraduates, with self-catered accommodation that includes accessible options for students with restricted mobility. The capacity has 365 single rooms, located in Zone A, Band 3, with the cheapest room being a Small Single at £231.77 per week. There are reception staff present during the week and on Saturdays, with roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Euston, Euston Square, and Warren Street.

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Arthur Tattersall House: Arthur Tattersall House is for undergraduates and postgraduates, with 60 single rooms, 56 twin rooms, and one flat (postgraduates only) available in Zone A, Band 4. All rooms are self-catered. Facilities include a laundry room, post facilities, and a reception. Staff are available at the reception during the week and on Saturdays, with roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Euston, Euston Square, Russell Square, Goodge Street, and Warren Street. UCL Bloomsbury Campus is a two-minute walk away.
Campbell House East: Campbell House East is all self-catered singles accommodation for both undergraduates and postgraduates, located in Zone A, Band 4. It has 97 single rooms and eight twin rooms available for undergraduates, and there’s one flat available for postgraduates. Facilities include a common room, games tables, laundry room, outside space, post and printing facilities, reception, and TV room. Security includes reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, with roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Euston, Euston Square, and Warren Street.
Campbell House West: Campbell House West is singles, undergraduate-only accommodation, all of which is self-catered in Zone A, Band 4. The capacity includes 47 single rooms and 13 twin rooms. Facilities are shared with Campbell House East, and include a common room, games tables, laundry room, post facilities, reception, and a TV room. Outside space is also available! Security is the same as Campbell House East with reception staff being on-site during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security hanging about from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Euston, Euston Square, and Warren Street.
John Tovell House: John Tovell House is for undergraduates only in Zone A, Band F, and includes self-catered singles accommodation. Facilities include a kitchen, laundry room, outside space, post facilities, and a reception. There are reception staff available during the week and on Saturdays, with roaming security from 7pm to 8am. UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus is a two-minute walk away.
Langton Close: Langton Close includes 267 single rooms and two postgraduate flats. Located in Zone A, Band 4, all rooms are self-catered. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest tube stations include Russell Square, King’s Cross, and Farringdon. UCL Bloomsbury Campus is a 26-minute walk away or a 21-minute tube/bus ride away.
One Pool Street: Located in Zone C, Band 1, One Pool Street provides self-catered singles accommodation for undergraduates only, including accessible accommodation for students with restricted mobility. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest stations include Stratford, Stratford International, and Hackney Wick.
Self-Catered Accommodation: This residence provides undergraduate-only singles accommodation that is totally self-catered, providing 231 ensuites and 114 studios located in Zone B, Band 2. There is CCTV, as well as reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest stations are Holloway Road, Drayton Park, Caledonian Road and Barnsbury, and Kentish Town.
Catered Accommodation: Providing undergraduate-only singles accommodation, this residence has 153 ensuite catered rooms located in Zone B, Band 3. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am.
Ifor Evans Hall: One of the not so popular halls, Ifor Evans hall is located in Zone B, Band 4, and provides singles and family accommodation for both undergraduates and postgraduates. The capacity includes 242 catered single rooms for undergraduates. A One Bedroom Double Flat costs £347.62 per week, and is the most expensive option. Security includes CCTV, reception staff during the week and on Saturdays, and roaming security from 7pm to 8am. The closest stations include Kentish Town West, Chalk Farm, Kentish Town, Mornington Crescent, and Caledonian Road.

Intercollegiate Halls

Intercollegiate halls are halls run by the University of London, which also house students outside of UCL within UoL. Students will have to create an account via the UoL Application Portal in order to secure a room in any Intercollegiate Hall.

College Hall: College Hall provides undergraduate-only singles accommodation that is catered and entirely managed by the University of London. The closest tube stations include Russell Square, Goodge Street, Great Portland Street, Euston Square, and Euston.
Connaught Hall: Connaught Hall offers undergraduate-only, catered, singles accommodation managed by the University of London. Many different room options are available with the least expensive option being a Single Catered at £295.84 or a refurbished Single Catered room at £308.89 per week. The closest tube stations include Russell Square, Warren Street, Euston Square, Great Portland Street, and Euston. Connaught Hall is so close to Bloomsbury Campus that you could literally sprint there in 30 seconds.
International Hall: International Hall provides undergraduate-only, catered, singles accommodation. A Single Catered is priced at £286.48 per week, whilst a Double Studio rests at £341.67 per week. The closest stations include Russell Square, Great Portland Street, Warren Street, Euston Square, King’s Cross and Euston. UCL Bloomsbury Campus is an 18-minute walk away, or 16 minutes by bus.

Max Rayne Halls

Located in most dangerous part of Camden, so can be dodgy after dark. 15-minute walk to UCL Main Campus, also close to Russell Square Station (5 minutes) and Kings Cross/St.

Self-Catered vs. Catered Accommodation

One of the primary distinctions between accommodation options is whether they are self-catered or catered.

Self-Catered: Residents will prepare meals for themselves as the Residence Hall will not.
Catered: Catered food being of bad quality sometimes.

Personal Experiences

Alex's Experience - Max Rayne Halls, Camden

Alex, a second-year Economics student at UCL, shares his experience of living in Max Rayne halls, Camden. Despite initial impressions of a small room, Alex found the location beneficial due to its proximity to Camden's vibrant nightlife, including bars, nightclubs, and music venues like KOKO and EGG. Camden is also the center of alternative music, with bands such as The Fratellis and Libertines performing in pubs such as The Underworld and Dublin Castle. He also recommends having a stroll down the canals or a picnic with a panoramic view of London on Primrose hill. While the communal kitchen could be crowded, the halls were surprisingly clean, and the commute to campus was manageable. Highlights included the sense of excitement and impromptu social gatherings. Lowlights included the lack of peace and quiet, potential flat conflicts, and the occasional messiness of communal areas. Alex advises new students to meet as many people as possible and prioritize their physical and mental health.

Signe's Experience - Frances Gardner Hall

Signe, a BA History with French student from Denmark, emphasizes the importance of reflecting on personal needs before choosing accommodation. Questions to consider include: Do you want many flatmates or only a few? Do you want an intimate atmosphere at your halls with room for privacy or a more communal experience? Signe notes that catered houses or larger student halls were great for parties, late-nights, fun dinners and events, whereas the self-catered halls with ensuites or further away from campus provided more privacy and a smaller community of flatmates. She advises students to consider the financial cost, proximity to campus, and the impact of the pandemic on studying habits. Signe recommends creating a mind map to prioritize the two most important aspects of accommodation and balancing personal interests with flexibility.

Key Considerations When Choosing Accommodation

Location: Consider the distance to UCL's main campus and other important locations, such as libraries, shops, and transportation hubs. UCL Bloomsbury Campus is a two-minute walk away, so this accommodation is effectively a stone’s throw away, ideal for 9ams.
Budget: Determine what you can afford, considering that the closer you live to central London and the fewer people you share a property with, the higher the rent. The average student rent in London is estimated at £812 per month but it can be higher in some areas of London.
Facilities: Evaluate the available facilities, such as communal kitchens, laundry rooms, common rooms, and study areas.
Catering: Decide whether you prefer self-catered or catered accommodation, considering the cost and convenience of each option.
Room Type: Consider whether you prefer a single room, ensuite, or shared room, taking into account your budget and privacy preferences.
Social Environment: Think about whether you prefer a more communal or private living environment.

Application Process and Timing

Now is a good time to start thinking about your housing for the next academic year, but don't fear as there's plenty of time left to find somewhere to live. UCL Accommodation is application based, and you'll need to apply by deadlines and meet eligibility criteria. You're not prioritised for accommodation beyond your first year of studies unless you have additional needs, for example a health condition or being care experienced.

June, July, and August is usually a good time to look at housing for September. However, if you start looking earlier, you can do your research and reduce stress as the new academic year approaches. Private landlords start advertising their properties towards the end of the current tenancies. Most private student halls are allocated on a first come first served basis so research these sooner rather than later. These are available to book now.

Private Accommodation

Many students choose to rent private student accommodation or flats around the city.

Finding Affordable Housing

What is 'affordable' will be different for every student. When starting your accommodation research, your budget will dictate what areas of London will be available to you so make sure you have an idea of what you can afford. Living in areas outside central London may offer you a reduced rent, but you'll also need to factor in travel time and costs. Many students do live further out to save money and there lots of great transport options - check out Citymapper/TfL if you're worried about the commute.

What Happens After I Find A Property I Like?

Negotiating Rent: Where demand for accommodation in the private rental market is high, you're likely to find numerous people interested in the same property. This means that properties may not be available for very long after being advertised and the landlord/agent may ask for you to make ‘an offer’ on the rent, for example, you could be asked to increase your rent or accept a longer agreement. Keep in mind that the rent you see on the advert, may not be the amount you agree on. The upcoming Renters' Rights Act will outlaw the practice of bidding competitions, but for now it remains common. It is at this point that you can also ask for any issues you've noticed with the property to be fixed as a condition of you agreeing to rent the property; for example, a broken cupboard or scuffed paint.
Don't Be Pressured: It's up to you to decide whether you are comfortable with paying a higher rent or accepting a longer tenancy. Once you have signed a tenancy agreement with these terms, you are legally bound.
Pay Your Holding Deposit: To secure your accommodation, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit whilst your landlord or letting agent sort out the necessary paperwork. This is normally equal to one week’s rent. When you sign your contract, you will then likely be asked to pay for at least the first month’s rent plus a refundable security deposit which cannot be higher than five weeks’ rent. Usually, this security deposit must be protected in a government approved tenancy deposit scheme, to help make sure you get back what you're owed at the end of the tenancy. We have produced a useful article on fees you might have to pay.
Right to Rent Checks: Private landlords are legally required to check that a prospective tenant has a legal right to live in the UK.

What Should I Look Out For When Signing a Tenancy Agreement?

You can use our Renting Checklist for some useful information and tips on what to look out for in a contract. Make sure to get in writing any changes that your landlord or letting agent has agreed to do before you move in.

Where Can I Find a Rent Guarantor?

It’s likely that your landlord or letting agent will ask you to provide a guarantor; this practice is common when renting to students. This is someone who agrees to pay your rent if for some reason you are not able to. Normally this is your parent or guardian, who may be required to earn a minimum amount. UCL also runs a Rent Guarantor Scheme for full-time students who can't secure a UK-based rent guarantor. Alternative Rent Guarantor Schemes are available via external third party providers such as Housing Hand. Please note that any arrangements you make with external providers will be at your own risk and UCL will not pay for any associated costs. If you can't secure a guarantor or a landlord doesn't want to accept your guarantor, you may be asked to pay for up to 6 months' rent upfront. Think carefully whether you are comfortable and can afford to do this before agreeing to pay large amounts of money.

How Best Can I Negotiate Paying Rent Monthly Rather Than Biannually?

Some landlords ask for rent to be paid in monthly, six monthly, or annual payment, but there's no harm in negotiating a different payment plan with them. If paying monthly works better for you because it helps you to budget, explain to the landlord why.

Rented Before? Can I End My Tenancy Early?

Check for a break clause in your contract - A break clause allows you or your landlord to end the tenancy early by giving notice. Not all student tenancy agreements have a break clause, but you could ask your landlord if it’s possible to include one if you think you may want to move out early.

Where Can I Store My Belongings During The Summer?

UCL Accommodation has partnered with Lovespace to help with storage solutions if you cannot take all of your belongings with you at once.

How Do I Find Accommodation Post-University?

This depends on where you want to live - in London or further afield - and on your income. If you don't know what your income will be after University, research jobs in the fields and locations you are interested in to give you a starting point.

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