Student Accommodation at Imperial College London
All Imperial College first-year undergraduate students are guaranteed a place for their first year of study, with most students choosing to live in private accommodation from their second year.
Unsurprisingly, students are spoilt for choice when it comes to housing options for student accommodation in London near Imperial. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose to live close to the main campus, right in the heart of southwest London; however, this may come with a heavy price tag and, depending on which campus is best suited to you, might not be as convenient as you think.
Thankfully, you can find an array of Imperial student housing options all over London, with popular student accommodation being found in the Shoreditch area in the east of the city, such as iQ Shoreditch. There are many Imperial accommodation options south of the River Thames, too, in the more affordable suburbs of Brixton and Clapham, where you can find accommodation like the Glassyard Building. Each of these different areas of London has great transport links to get you to campus for lectures and around the city for when you need a break from the books.
Whatever area suits you, you’ll find a great selection of Imperial University accommodation, including halls of residence, shared accommodation or private studios. The type of accommodation you choose is never more important than in a big city like London. Due to the high cost of living and the energetic nature of the city, a lot of students choose communal living, like in halls of residence or shared accommodation. These types of accommodations are a great way to build up a community around you, which is an important part of having a successful student experience.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London is the UK’s only university focusing entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business, making it the number one pick for students wanting to excel in these areas. In addition, Imperial College has some notable alumni, including musician Brian May, Nobel laureate chemist Geoffrey Wilkinson, and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Julius Vogel, to name a few.
Imperial College London Rank
According to the Complete University Guide, Imperial College London is ranked 5th out of 130 and is consistently ranked in the top 5 higher educational establishments in the UK.
Location
Imperial College London is located in southwest London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. With amazing Imperial accommodation options close by and further afield, convenient transport links, and several museums, bars and restaurants, this higher education institution is a popular location for all students.
Employability
Imperial College London has excellent employability, ranking 1st in Graduate prospects – outcomes and 3rd in Graduate prospects – on track. The institution also offers several professional services and support, including careers advice, careers fairs and alumni mentoring schemes.
Student Fees
Visit the Imperial College London website for undergraduate and postgraduate fee information.
Bursaries and Scholarship Opportunities
Imperial College London has one of the most generous bursary schemes in the UK, offering up to £5,000 per year of extra financial help towards living costs, including Imperial private accommodation. The university also offers a range of scholarships specialising in nurture academics, music and sporting talent.
Student life at Imperial College London
Being in the heart of one of the most desirable cities in the world, Imperial College London offers students a rich university experience with lots of activities outside of the classroom, both close and further afield. In addition, the university itself provides students with access to over 350 clubs, societies and volunteering projects, including A Cappella, Cycling, Entrepreneurs, and UNICEF, to name a few. Check out the full list of clubs and societies on offer here.
The Imperial College Student Union is one of the most popular spots for students, being only a 5-minute walk from the main campus. Offering an active and vibrant community, the student union has a busy social calendar and provides a great network and social support to Imperial College students. There are also some great student bars close by, including FiveSixEight and Reynolds Bar.
When it comes to culture, Imperial College London is neighbours with some of the most popular museums and galleries in London. The Natural History Museum is only a 3-minute walk away from campus and some Imperial university accommodation, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum.
Check out our guide to free places to visit in London for more information on fun activities around the city.
Imperial accommodation FAQs
Where should I live if I study at Imperial College London?
Being a large, vibrant city, there are many Imperial University accommodation options for students. Popular areas include Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton, Paddington, and Bayswater and areas further out of the city centre in Brixton and Shoreditch.
Which is the best student dorm near Imperial College London?
There are many great student dorms near Imperial College, one of the most popular being the iQ Hammersmith being only a short tube ride away.
Which off-campus accommodation is closest to Imperial College London?
One of the closest off-campus accommodation providers to Imperial College is Park House offering a great selection of shared student flats with excellent facilities.
How do I pay for my Imperial College London student accommodation?
Each accommodation provider will have its own payment method, so consult your chosen provider's website for details. However, Imperial College provides a number of bursaries and student support schemes to help pay for Imperial student housing. In addition, many students take on part-time work to help support themselves financially through their university careers. If you’re looking for more information on how students pay for accommodation, have a read of our dedicated blog post.
Where do Imperial students live in their second year?
Most students live in Imperial private accommodation from their second year onwards. Check out our student accommodation in London for your options, including private, shared and studio accommodation.
Where do most Imperial College students live?
A lot of students choose to live close to the main campus in areas such as Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton, Paddington, and Bayswater. However, there are also great Imperial student accommodations if you choose to venture further out of the city to areas such as Clapham, Camden and Richmond.