The borough of Camden is probably one of the most exhilarating places to move to when you’re embarking upon university life. Boasting tourist attractions, incredible nightlife and culture, Camden is the place to be for students and visitors alike.
Based in north London, in central zone 1, it is accessible from all of London via one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems – TfL. Whether you wish to take the tube, bus, or hop on a rental bike, you can easily get to Camden from all areas of London. You can even walk to Camden from King’s Cross station.
Some of the biggest concerns for students at this point on their journey include how to budget, which areas to search in, or simply not knowing where to start. Remember, you’re not alone – that’s why we pulled together a handy guide to make things just a little easier.
Click on a link to jump to that section:Find out how much it will likely cost to rent a property in Camden.
Read what factors to bear in mind when choosing accommodation.
Read the different types of student accommodation in Camden.
Read your other location options for renting.
Rent is likely to be your biggest expense whilst living in London. According to Business Insider, London is the 6th most expensive city in the world to rent, so finding that dream flat within budget could take some digging.
There are a number of factors that can influence costs, including the number of housemates, proximity to tube stations, and the size of your room.
On average, rent for a single room in shared accommodation can range from £210 per week in halls of residence, or if you prefer more privacy and independence, £260 per week in private rental accommodation.
Of course, you also have to factor in other elements such as bill costs. If you’ve never paid bills before, setting them up can seem like an intimidating task. If you’re confident searching and setting up these independently you can find some great deals. But for those with less experience, agencies like UniHomes can take a lot of hassle away. But that’s not the case with all agencies as there is no legal requirement for them to do so.
If you do arrange your own bills, Split the Bills separates each responsible tenants’ share, so in the event of non-payment, they’re the ones doing the chasing, not you. Contact us here to find out how we can help – or get a price here.
Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!
It is worth considering your living costs if you wish to move to Camden. These can include transport, groceries, and personal expenses such as nightlife. It is important to decide whether you want to live near your university in the centre of town – it might be more expensive, but you’ll save on travel costs which can quickly add up. The same goes for groceries, which on average can cost £150-£200 per month for an individual.
One of the biggest drainers of bank balance is your ‘going-out’ budget. Bars, pubs and restaurants in London don’t come cheap, with the price of an average pint being over £5! Budgeting either at the start of each month, or when student finance comes through keeps you on top of your finances. Your overdraft will thank you later.
If you decide to live in a more central area, be prepared for higher noise levels. A busy nightlife may seem exciting during fresher’s week, but when you have deadlines and exams it can be a painfully stressful experience. However – if you’d rather be near the hustle and bustle, living in a central area could be perfect for you!
Bear in mind accommodation cost when you are choosing somewhere to live – a house share with a large group is
You can view a large range of student properties available in Camden here.
If you’re wondering what type of student housing is available, then there are three main types to contemplate.
Firstly, the most popular for new students are the student halls. Possibly the easiest process for finding accommodation, institutions such as UCL, King’s College and SOAS offer basic shared spaces that are low cost, but often represent a lower standard of living. If you prefer no-frills, wish to live on campus, and have catering and cleaning options available, then this might be suitable for you.
If that’s not your cup of tea, or you’re moving into second year, there are plenty of purpose-built flat blocks, shared houses, and converted buildings, with rooms appearing all the time. Here you can rent as an individual or in a small group of your close friends to get extra value.
View some options of student properties in Camden here!
For those who wish to delve right into London life, the last option is renting a bedroom in a family or shared home. This can be a rewarding option, opening up your friendship and professional networks, whilst living in a more homely environment.
If you decide Camden isn’t for you, London has a myriad of other options available with excellent commute times. This could include Lewisham south of the city, both exceptional locations for Goldsmith’s students. You could also look along the Northern and Victoria lines which are simple commutes into the borough of Camden, and this way you can look into zones 2 and 3 which provide much a lower cost of living.
Brixton and Peckham are also popular spots with younger people, have plenty of character, and still provide great value for money.
Renting in one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world is a big task, but if you do your research, take your time, and start to learn more about the city, you can study and live with no problems at all.
Our bill splitting service will help you to streamline the way you and your fellow students pay your bills, preventing disagreements on amounts owed and allowing you to budget more effectively both individually and as a household. We also offer great advice for students on how to manage bills when moving into shared housing.
You can find out more about our bill splitting service here.
Electricity. Gas. Broadband. Water. TV Licence.
All in one equally split monthly bill. Nice.