Looking for student accommodation in Camden? We’ve acommodated students in this area for years, and there’s a reason it remains one of London’s most popular spots for students. Beyond the tourist-filled weekend markets, there’s a genuine community here that offers a perfect balance of excitement and practicality for student life.
The Markets: More Than Just Tourist Traps
Yes, Camden Market gets packed with tourists, especially on weekends. But as a local, you’ll quickly learn when to visit (weekday afternoons are surprisingly peaceful) and which sections actually offer good value. The food stalls along the canal offer some of the most affordable lunch options in central London, with massive portions from around £6-8.
What most visitors miss are the smaller, more specialist sections like the vintage clothing areas in the Stables Market where you can find genuinely unique pieces. Living locally means you can pop in for a quick bite or specific shop rather than making it an all-day excursion like the tourists do.
Transport That Actually Works for Students
The transport situation in Camden is genuinely excellent. The Northern Line gets you directly to many university campuses – UCL, SOAS and Birkbeck are just a few stops away. King’s Cross is literally two minutes on the tube, connecting you to pretty much anywhere in London or beyond.
What’s particularly useful is the night transport. The N5, N20, and N29 night buses run through Camden, meaning you’re never stranded after a late night out or study session. This saves you a fortune on Ubers – something your student budget will definitely appreciate.
The Social Scene Beyond the Obvious
Camden’s reputation for alternative culture and music is well-earned, but the social scene is much more diverse than outsiders realise. Yes, there’s the Electric Ballroom and Roundhouse for gigs, but there are also smaller spots like The Green Note for intimate acoustic sessions, or The Colonel Fawcett for a more relaxed pub atmosphere.
What makes Camden particularly good for students is the range of free and affordable events. The Camden New Journal (the local paper you’ll find in most cafés) lists countless free exhibitions, community events, and discount nights specifically for local residents. These are the kinds of authentic experiences that make living in the area worthwhile.
Actual Affordable Food Options
London is expensive – there’s no getting around that – but Camden offers some genuinely affordable eating options beyond the obvious market stalls. Arancini Brothers on Kentish Town Road does excellent risotto balls for around £5, and the Vegetarian Indian Restaurant on Parkway has a lunch special that’s a steal.
Local tip: the Sainsbury’s Local on Camden Road reduces a ton of fresh food around 7pm each evening. If you time it right, you can stock up on basics for a fraction of the normal price. I’ve managed entire weeks of decent meals on under £20 this way.
Finding Your Study Spots
Every student needs places to work outside their accommodation, and Camden offers several options beyond the obvious chain cafés. The Camden Coffee House is surprisingly study-friendly and doesn’t mind if you sit with a single coffee for hours. The public library on Eversholt Street has free WiFi and decent desks, while the Wellcome Collection reading room (just a short walk away) offers a beautiful space that stays relatively quiet even during peak times.
Safety and Security in Our Camden Student Accommodation
One aspect of Camden student housing that particularly concerns parents is security. Our Camden Lock residence features 24/7 security staff, secure key fob entry systems, and CCTV throughout common areas. The buildings include well-lit entrances and secure bike storage.
Camden has significantly improved its safety profile in recent years. The main streets remain busy at most hours, providing that crucial “eyes on the street” security that makes urban living safer. Our residences often sit in quieter residential pockets, offering the perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility.
The Student Accommodation Reality
Our Camden student residences are extremely popular and do sell out quickly, especially for short term stays. The buildings feature recently renovated facilities that actually matter to students – reliable high-speed WiFi, proper soundproofing, and pleasant communal spaces.
What sets our Camden accommodation apart is the location – within walking distance of Regent’s Park (perfect for those rare sunny days) while still being close enough to campus that your commute won’t eat into your day.
Camden Local Knowledge
Living in Camden for a while, you pick up bits of local knowledge that make daily life easier:
- The farmer’s market near Chalk Farm station on Saturdays is actually cheaper than supermarkets for fresh produce
- The gym in the Better fitness centre offers student discounts that aren’t advertised online – just ask at reception
- Most Camden pubs have excellent happy hours on weeknights – The Abbey Tavern does two-for-one drinks until 7pm
- The Collective workspace offers free community events where you can network with creative professionals
- Camden Town Library has a little-known quiet study room on the second floor that’s perfect during exam season
What Our Students Say
“Living in Camden student accommodation has been the highlight of my university experience. Everything I need is within walking distance, and I’ve saved so much time on commuting that would have been wasted if I’d lived further out.” – Maya, UCL Student
“I was worried Camden would be too noisy and touristy, but our residence is in a fairly quiet spot that gives you the best of both worlds. The 24-hour security also gives my parents peace of mind.” – Shreya, SOAS Student
Is Camden the Right Place to Spend Your Student Years?
If you’re after accommodation in Camden that gives you the real experience of this unique area – not just the tourist version – our student residences offer exactly that. They provide the practical necessities (security, good facilities, reasonable rents) while placing you in a location that lets you experience authentic London life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camden Student Accommodation
How far are Camden student residences from major universities?
Our Camden accommodation is approximately 15 minutes by tube to UCL, 10 minutes to Central Saint Martins at King’s Cross, and 20 minutes to LSE.
Is Camden safe for students?
Yes, Camden has significantly improved its safety profile in recent years. Our accommodations feature 24/7 security, secure entry systems, and are located in well-lit, busier areas for added safety.
What’s included in the rent for Camden student flats?
All our Camden student housing includes utilities (water, electricity, heating), high-speed WiFi, contents insurance, and access to communal areas including study spaces and laundry facilities.
Do you offer short-term contracts for Camden student housing?
While most of our contracts are for the full academic year, we do offer semester-based contracts for exchange students. Contact our accommodation team for current availability.