Housing near SOAS University of London: 2026 student guide

Housing Near SOAS University of London: A Guide for Students

SOAS University of London sits in the heart of Bloomsbury, at 10 Thornhaugh St, London WC1H 0XG. It is a specialist institution focusing on Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with a global reputation and a campus embedded in one of London’s most academic and cultural neighbourhoods. For students moving to London to study at SOAS, finding accommodation that balances convenience, cost and quality is a critical first step. This guide draws on student reviews, city-wide rental data, and a selection of nearby student residences to help you make an informed choice.

What Campus Reviews Reveal

SOAS receives a Google rating of 4.1 from 332 reviews. Positive comments often highlight the unique academic environment and central location. One student, Ali Alavy, wrote: “SOAS University of London is simply outstanding, the world’s leading hub for Asia, Africa & Middle East studies. Unbeatable location in heart of London, incredibly diverse & intellectually electric atmosphere, and top-tier education that truly transforms. Particularly, the School of Languages, Cultu…” This praise underlines the appeal of studying in a vibrant, international setting where the campus itself is part of the experience.

However, student housing experiences can vary significantly. A more critical review from Nathalia Montoya flags serious issues: “I enrolled in the MSc Finance (Economic Policy pathway) at SOAS last year and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. Despite paying nearly £2,000 for the first term, I never received any proper welcome communication, onboarding, orientation session, or academic guidance. I was only added…” This review is a reminder that a great academic reputation does not guarantee smooth administrative support, and that where you live — and how you connect with the university — can affect your overall student life. Choosing a residence with reliable management and good peer support may be especially important for international students who rely on formal onboarding.

City Context: London Student Housing

London is one of the most expensive student cities in the world. For the 2026/27 academic year, average weekly rent for a student room in London ranges from around £180 to £400, depending on location, room type, and amenities. SOAS is located in Zone 1, close to Russell Square, Goodge Street, and Tottenham Court Road stations. This central position means that housing immediately adjacent to campus — within a 10-minute walk — tends to be at the higher end of the budget spectrum. A typical en-suite room in a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) near Bloomsbury can cost £300–£400 per week. Shared houses or flats in the same area are often even more expensive relative to space.

Many SOAS students choose to live slightly further out — in zones 2 or 3 — where rents drop by 20–40%. The trade-off is a longer commute, but London’s tube, bus, and rail network makes travel manageable. The university is also close to several major transport hubs: King’s Cross St Pancras, Euston, and Waterloo are all within a 15-minute journey.

Budget Bands (Indicative Weekly Rent, 2026/27 – Confirm with the Operator)

The following bands give a rough idea of what you might pay for a single room in a student residence or shared house near SOAS. All prices are indicative; always check directly with the accommodation provider.

• Low budget (under £200/week): Shared houses or older purpose-built halls in zones 2/3. These may require a 20–40 minute commute by tube/bus. Examples include areas like Elephant & Castle, Bethnal Green, or Kilburn. Few PBSA options at this price exist in central London.
• Mid budget (£200–£300/week): En-suite or studio rooms in PBSA in zones 1/2 with a 15–25 minute commute. Some older halls in Bloomsbury or nearby (e.g. near King’s Cross) also fall in this range.
• High budget (over £300/week): Premium studios or en-suites within a 0–15 minute walk of SOAS. These often include gyms, study lounges, and social spaces. Many of the well-known central London residences fall here.

Walk vs Transit Trade-Off

Living within walking distance of SOAS (0–1 mile) saves you time and transport costs (a Zone 1–1 journey on the tube currently costs £2.80 single peak). A walk of 10–15 minutes from Russell Square, Goodge Street, or Holborn can get you to the main building easily. Properties in this radius include purpose-built residences near Euston Road or Bloomsbury Square.

If you choose to live further out – for example, near Hammersmith (Zone 2), Kingston (Zone 6), or Brent Cross (Zone 3) – the commute can take 30–60 minutes each way. Your weekly transport cost would be around £30–£50 using a Student Oyster photocard (discounted travel). The benefit is lower rent (often 20–30% less than central options) and potentially a quieter, more local atmosphere.

Which option is better depends on your priorities. If you have a packed schedule of lectures, language classes, and library sessions, living close by frees up time. If you prefer a larger room or private kitchen and are comfortable with a commute, suburban living can be more cost-effective.

Shortlist Logic Using Given Nearby Residences

Below are five sample student residences that SOAS students might consider. They are located in different parts of London, and each offers a distinct balance of cost, distance, and style. Use this list as a starting point; always verify current availability, prices, and contract terms with the operator.

1. One Penrhyn Road Kingston – Located in Kingston upon Thames, Zone 6, about 40–50 minutes by train and tube to SOAS. It offers studios and en-suite rooms in a modern complex. This is a budget-friendly option (indicative weekly rent around £180–£220, confirm with operator). Best for students who prefer a quieter university town atmosphere and don’t mind a longer commute.

2. Fusion Brent Cross Town – In Brent Cross, Zone 3, roughly 25–35 minutes by tube (Jubilee Line to Green Park, then Victoria Line to Euston). This residence includes studios and en-suites with on-site gym and common lounges. Indicative weekly rent: £220–£280. A solid mid-range choice with good transport links.

3. LH-County Hall – A large residence on the South Bank, Zone 1, close to Waterloo station. Walking to SOAS takes about 25 minutes, or 10 minutes by bus/tube. Studios and en-suite rooms available. Rent is higher, typically £300–£380 per week. Ideal if you want a central London location near the Thames, though the walk to campus is moderate.

4. urbanest Westminster Bridge – Also in Zone 1, near Waterloo, similar distance to SOAS as County Hall. Offers en-suite and studio rooms with social spaces and 24/7 support. Indicative weekly rent: £280–£350. Good for students who want a central residence with a shorter commute than County Hall (about 20 minutes walk or 15 minutes bus).

5. Scape Hammersmith – In Hammersmith, Zone 2, about 30–40 minutes by tube (District/Piccadilly to Holborn, then walk). Studios and en-suites with private kitchens. Rent typically £220–£280 per week. A balanced option for those wanting a lively West London area with good transport.

Shortlist logic: First, decide your maximum commuting time and budget. For a walkable (<15 min) option, consider urbanest Westminster Bridge or LH-County Hall. For a mid-range commute (20–35 min), Scape Hammersmith or Fusion Brent Cross Town work well. For the lowest rent, One Penrhyn Road Kingston offers value at the cost of a longer journey. Always visit the residence or check virtual tours, read recent reviews, and understand the cancellation policy before signing a contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average walking distance from SOAS to student residences in Bloomsbury?
Most purpose-built residences in the immediate Bloomsbury area (e.g., near Russell Square, Goodge Street) are within a 5–15 minute walk. These tend to be premium-priced (indicative £300+/week). You can find older university halls like those on Malet Street or Byng Place, but availability is limited and applications open early.

How much should I budget for transport if I live further out?
If you live in zones 2–3, a weekly Student Oyster travelcard costs around £22–£28 (as of 2025/26 rates; 2026/27 rates may rise slightly). Combine with a 10-minute walking or cycling portion. Budget an additional £50–£80 per month for transport if you commute daily. Living in zone 1 walking distance eliminates this cost.

Can I get a room in a shared house instead of a PBSA?
Yes. Shared houses (HMOs) in areas like Camden, Finsbury Park, or Stratford may offer rents as low as £150–£200 per week. However, you will need to manage bills (gas, electricity, internet) separately and the contract terms can vary. Many students prefer PBSA for the all-inclusive rent and shorter commitment periods. Check SOAS’s housing office or accredited listings for safety.

Data date: March 2026
All prices are indicative – confirm directly with the operator.

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