There are plenty of options to consider when deciding on the right place to live. With South Kensington being located in one of the most expensive boroughs, many students decide to live further afield. When choosing an area to live you may want to consider the time it takes to travel to campus, versus the cost of rent in that area and the cost of travel.
Chcek out our Area Guide Map for more information on some of the most popular areas in London.
Choose the right area
This short video will guide you through the steps of finding the area that is right for you:
Finding the right area
Here are some videos that give you a quick overview of nine of our most poular student areas. If you want even more area information, then come into the Student Hub to pick up your free copy of our Area Guide, which has loads more information, and other useful hints and tips. Don't go house hunting without it!
Acton Town
Acton Twon in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 3 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £197 - £257 One bedroom: £271-331 Two bedroom: £323-383 |
Battersea
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £241-£301 One bedroom: £317-£377 Two bedroom: £417 - £477 |
Camden
Camden in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £252 - £312 One bedroom: £383 - £443 Two bedroom: £558 - £618 |
Chelsea
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £291 - £351 One bedroom: £434 - £494 Two bedroom: £684 - £744 |
Earl's Court
Earl's Court in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1&2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £322 - £382 One bedroom: £403 - £463 Two bedroom: £551 - £611 |
Fulham
Fulham in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1 & 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £200 - £260 One bedroom: £317 - £377 Two bedroom: £411 - £471 |
Hammersmith
Hammersmith in Under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £216 - £276 One bedroom: £301 - £361 Two bedroom: £398 - £458 |
Notting hill
Notting Hill in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1&2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £300 - £360 One bedroom: £429 - £489 Two bedroom: £508 - £568 |
Paddington
Paddington in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £251 - £311 One bedroom: £388 - £448 Two bedroom: £574 - £634 |
Putney
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £235 - £295 One bedroom: £301 - £361 Two bedroom: £376 - £436 |
Shepherd's Bush
Shepherds Bush in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Room: £136 - £168 Studio: £194 - £249 One bedroom: £284 - £334 Two bedroom: £299 - £409 |
South Kensington
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £373 - £433 One bedroom: £477 - £537 Two bedroom: £676 - £736 |
Waterloo
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 1 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £276 - £336 One bedroom: £363 - £423 Two bedroom: £464 - £524 |
West Brompton
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £296 - £356 One bedroom: £395 - £455 Two bedroom: £530 - £590 |
West Kensington
West Kensington in under 60 seconds
| Transport and distance |
Travel times to South Kensington:
Zone 2 |
| Average rents per week | Studio: £245 - £305 One bedroom: £320 - £380 Two bedroom: £396 - £456 |
The above figures are accurate as of January 2021 and sourced from the following:
- Travel times: Google Maps, distance from the tube/train station of each area to South kensington campus.
- London rent figures: www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/improving-private-rented-sector/london-rents-map
Local Authorities are also known as Councils. They have a responsibility for a range of services, including council tax, libraries, rubbish collection, environmental health, leisure facilities and local authority housing.
As a student, you are entitled to a council tax exemption. Please view our council tax webpage for more information on council tax exemption letters.
The following list of Local Authorities may be useful for Imperial College students:
Local Authorities
| Local Authority | General Enquiries | Council Tax | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent | 020 8937 1234 | 020 8937 1790 | www.brent.gov.uk |
| Camden | 020 7974 4444 | 020 7974 6470 | www.camden.gov.uk |
| Ealing | 020 8825 6677 | 020 8825 7050 | www.ealing.gov.uk |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 020 8748 3020 | 020 8753 6681 | www.lbhf.gov.uk |
| Haringey | 020 8489 0000 | 020 8489 1000 | www.haringey.gov.uk |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 020 7361 3000 | 020 7361 3005 | www.rbkc.gov.uk |
| Lambeth | 020 7926 1000 | 0345 302 2312 | www.lambeth.gov.uk |
| Tower Hamlets | 020 7364 5020 | 020 7364 5002 | www.towerhamlets.gov.uk |
| Wandsworth | 020 8871 6000 | 020 8871 8081 | www.wandsworth.gov.uk |
| Westminster | 020 7641 6000 | 0845 302 3400 | www.westminster.gov.uk |