5 of the Most Scenic Student Flats in London

Take a look around most student flats and you’d be forgiven thinking it was mandatory to have moldy ceilings, a mouse infestation and questionable plumbing. This is especially true in London, where some students have got so fed up with their dodgy halls that they’re trying to sue the university.

What these poor rat-battling first years don’t realize is it could have been different. Not every student flat is a pokey, damp hole in the ground in a run-down part of the city. Some are actually quite nice, while others manage to be even better still, combining clean, spacious well-decorated interiors with some of the finest views of the London skyline imaginable.

Prices at these top London student properties start at £259/US$338 per week, so living in luxury is hardly cheap. Compared to some of the extortionate rents charged in London, however, these places are a steal. Here are five of our favorites, and who they’re perfect for.

For people wanting to save money where possible

The cheapest student accommodation on this list, urbanest Westminster Bridge’s location means residents can enjoy amazing views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, as well as of the London Eye over the other side of the river. Prices here start at £259/US$338 for a private room in a three-bed apartment.

Image credit: Student.com and urbanist

For the arts lovers

Surround yourself with the bohemian artistes and grafting actors of London by living at Chapter South Bank, a short walk away from the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern. This halls enjoys panoramic views of central London, the perfect backdrop to games of pool in the building’s spacious social areas. £324/US$423 per week will get you a private room with an en suite bathroom.

For anyone deferring their application another year

The landmark feature of Paris Gardens, also located on London’s South Bank, is its rooftop terrace which offers a fantastic view of the nearby London Eye as well as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. A private room with a shared bathroom here costs £260/US$339, but it’s too late if you’re looking for somewhere to live this year, as Paris Gardens is already fully booked. If you want to get a head-start on planning your accommodation for next year though, this in-demand property could be a good place to start.

Image credit: Student.com and CRM Students

For anyone unafraid of heights

You might not be as high up as the top of the Shard living here, but Chapter Spitalfields is the third-tallest student accommodation building in the world, so you’ll need a head for heights to live here. Get a room near the top of this building and you’ll be able to see Tower Bridge, the Gherkin and the Olympic stadium. Prices start at £279/US$364 per week for a private room in a two-bed apartment.

Image credit: Student.com and Chapter

For the hipsters

Shoreditch has long been an attractive destination for students after a less touristy version of the capital, with its record shops, street markets and independent bars drawing a regular crowd of eccentrically-dressed punters. Scape Shoreditch allows you to live surrounded by it all, sat in a rooftop garden 11 stories off the ground. For £285/US$372 per week, you can rent a studio flat here and enjoy fantastic views of north London.

Image credit: Student.com and Scape