0 Student halls of residence in City of Westminster

If you’re planning to study or do an exchange programme in London, you’re probably considering the possibility of living in student accommodation in the City of Westminster. That's a great idea! However, there are several things to bear in mind. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know: the advantages and disadvantages of living in halls of residence, the differences between private and university options, the best way to find affordable alternatives, and we'll answer the questions that students ask most frequently every year. Let's do this!

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a residence in City of Westminster

Below are some of the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in student residences in City of Westminster

As it’s a central area in London, the residences tend to welcome students from all over the world, promoting cultural exchange in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
They guarantee quick access to the main universities and underground stations. In other words, they’re in a very good location for student living.
Most residences include basic services such as internet and bills, so you don't have to worry about additional arrangements.
The residences foster a supportive environment among students, which is especially important in a city that can be overwhelming for those arriving for the first time.
In such a busy city, the residences offer high standards of security, with reception staff, video surveillance and restricted access for residents.

Cons of living in student residences in City of Westminster

Living in Westminster, one of the most exclusive areas of London, means paying high rents compared to other areas on the outskirts of the city.
The central location may expose residents to the constant noise of traffic, sirens and typical London city activity. Not all are well soundproofed.
The common areas and living with other students can make it difficult to find moments of peace and quiet in a city that is already very busy.
Many residences impose strict rules, such as limited visiting hours or noise restrictions.
The high demand for living in Westminster can make it difficult to find availability, which adds stress to the application process.
Rooms in residences are usually compact, unless you want to choose a larger one at a higher price.

Private student residences in Ciudad of Westminster

In the City of Westminster, London, there are various private student accommodation options, each located in neighbourhoods that provide easy access to academic institutions and points of interest. Some are located, for example, in Marylebone (a central area close to Oxford Street and Regent's Park), in Victoria/Westminster (close to landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament), and even in Fitzrovia (a more residential neighbourhood with a variety of theatres, galleries and pubs.

These private residences offer a variety of accommodation types to suit different preferences and budgets. You can find individual studio flats with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, ideal for those seeking greater privacy and who have a generous budget. There are also single and shared rooms with access to communal kitchens and bathrooms, offering a more communal and economical experience. Some residences offer premium flats or rooms with more spacious areas and additional amenities for a higher price.

Private residences typically feature communal facilities to encourage interaction among residents. Those located in the City of Westminster most commonly include study rooms, lounge areas with televisions and games, fully equipped gyms, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces such as gardens or terraces. In addition, some residences have cinemas and specific areas for social events.

The services included in the rent usually cover all utility bills, such as electricity, water, and heating, as well as Internet connection. Some offer additional services such as cleaning of common areas and organised social activities. It’s important to check with each residence which specific services are included and which may incur additional costs.

University halls of residence in the City of Westminster

In this section, we refer to the residences offered by higher education institutions in the city. We can tell you that in the City of Westminster there is a variety of university residences available, spread across different neighbourhoods. They can be found, for example, in the Marylebone area and close to Regent's Park.

The types of accommodation available vary depending on the residence. Generally, single rooms with private bathrooms are offered, although some residences also have double studio flats and shared rooms. Rooms are usually equipped with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and shelves. Some residences also offer superior rooms, which include additional amenities such as flat-screen televisions and panoramic views of the city.

The shared common areas in university residences in Westminster include fully equipped shared kitchens with an oven, microwave, refrigerator, and basic cooking utensils. In addition, there are usually common rooms with televisions, games such as pool tables, and study areas. Some residences also have gyms, outdoor terraces, and bicycle storage spaces.

The services included in the rental cost cover all bills and utilities, such as electricity, water, and heating. Internet connection and basic contents insurance covering items such as laptops in the room are also included. Laundry facilities are generally self-service and operated by card or mobile app.

University of Westminster halls of residence

This prestigious university has four of its own halls of residence, one of which is in the Marylebone neighbourhood of the City of Westminster, and the others in other London neighbourhoods. The allocation of places in these halls of residence depends both on the campus of the institution where you’ll be studying and the type of studies.

Rent cheap student residences in the City of Westminster

To find the best private residences, verified and available for your stay in the City of Westminster, the best thing you can do is use our Erasmus Play search engine. On our platform, you can compare the available options, filtering by your preferred characteristics, locations and prices. Remember to book quickly when you find the ideal one for you, as residences in this English city get rented out very quickly! At Erasmus Play, you can make your booking 100% online and securely.

FAQ about student residences in City of Westminster

What are the requirements to apply for a student residence in the City of Westminster?

One of the most common requirements is to be enrolled full-time at a recognised educational institution. Some residences may request proof of enrollment or letters of acceptance. In addition, it’s common for a guarantor residing in the United Kingdom to be required. In the absence of a local guarantor, some offer alternatives, such as paying a higher deposit or contracting specialised guarantee services.

How much does a student residence cost in the City of Westminster?

This varies depending on the type of accommodation. For example, university halls of residence typically have weekly prices ranging from £180 to £400, depending on the location and amenities offered. On the other hand, private residences have a wider range of prices, with rooms ranging from £600 to £1,600 per month, depending on factors such as location, room type and services included.

Which is cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in the City of Westminster?

In general, renting a room in a shared flat in this English city is usually cheaper than living in student accommodation. The average monthly cost of a private room in a shared flat starts at around £550. On the other hand, student accommodation usually costs between £600 and £1,600, depending on the location and amenities offered.

When to apply for a student residence in the City of Westminster?

To secure a place in a residence hall, we recommend that you begin the application process at least six months before the start of the academic year. Given that demand is high and places are limited, applying early increases your chances of obtaining the accommodation you want. Some institutions allow applications up to a year in advance.

What services do student residences in the City of Westminster usually include?

They usually include services such as electricity, water, heating and internet in the rent. They also offer access to common facilities such as equipped kitchens, study rooms, rest areas and laundries. Some residences also have gyms, cinemas and outdoor spaces. It’s important to check with each residence to find out which specific services are included and which may incur additional costs.