Apartments and rooms near City University of London

Founded in 1894 as the Northampton Institute and granted university status by royal charter in 1966, City University of London is a public research university known for its strength in business, law, health, journalism and engineering, with a large and highly international student community. Its main campus sits at Northampton Square in Finsbury, in the borough of Islington, a short walk from Angel and Clerkenwell. In 2024 the university merged with St George's, University of London to form City St George's, University of London, but the Northampton Square campus remains its central hub.

According to the Spotahome Rent Index 2026, these are the available accommodation in London options and their average price by property type.

Best neighbourhoods near City University of London

These are the four areas closest to the Northampton Square campus, chosen for their proximity and the amount of accommodation available nearby:

• Islington: the campus's own borough, lively and central, with Angel, Upper Street and Clerkenwell offering markets, restaurants and a buzzing scene. Flats in Islington average around 5,060 €, while shared rooms sit close to 1,329 €.
• Hackney: a creative, youthful borough just east, full of independent cafés, parks and nightlife. Flats in Hackney average about 4,968 €, with rooms near 1,262 €.
• Camden: a central, energetic borough to the west, home to King's Cross, Camden Market and excellent transport links. Flats here average around 5,704 €, with rooms close to 1,327 €.
• City of London: the historic financial district just south, with striking architecture and quick access to campus, though its rental pool is mostly apartments and studios. Apartments average about 5,980 €, with studios near 5,315 €.

Across these four neighbourhoods there are more than 550 properties available near City University of London, and every Spotahome listing is fully furnished and ready to move into the day you arrive.

What you should know about City University of London

City is best known for the Bayes Business School, its City Law School and strong programmes in journalism, health sciences and engineering, with a large share of students coming from outside the UK. The Northampton Square campus packs lecture halls, libraries and student facilities into a compact central site, with Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell's restaurants and the green of Spa Fields all close by. Its position between Angel, Farringdon and Old Street means three of London's busiest transport hubs are within walking distance. For courses, dates and admissions, the official City St George's website is the best reference.

Erasmus Life at City University of London and in London

City runs a broad exchange and study-abroad programme with partner universities worldwide, welcoming international students each term through its study abroad office. Living in London as an exchange student means one of the world's great student cities: free museums, a vast cultural calendar, sport, music and a hugely international population. Student societies and the city's exchange networks run constant events, trips and socials, which makes finding your feet quick even in a city this size.

How to get to City University of London from London city centre

The Northampton Square campus is exceptionally well connected:

• Underground: Angel (Northern line) and Farringdon (Elizabeth line, Thameslink) are both a 5 to 10-minute walk.
• Old Street: the Northern line and national rail reach the campus from the east and the City in minutes.
• Bus: numerous routes run along Goswell Road and St John Street, stopping close to Northampton Square.

Common questions (FAQ) about renting near City University of London

Which are the best neighbourhoods for students near City University of London in London?

The top student areas combine a genuine young scene with a short hop to Northampton Square.

• Islington: central, lively and right around the campus, with rooms in Islington around 1,329 € and Angel a few minutes' walk away.
• Hackney: creative, youthful and packed with nightlife, with student flats in Hackney and a quick connection to campus by bus or Overground.
• Angel: right on the campus's doorstep, buzzing with bars and restaurants, where student flats around Angel put you within walking distance of class.

For the shortest commute, Islington and Angel win; for a creative, lively base, Hackney is hard to beat.

How much does student accommodation near City University of London cost?

The Spotahome Rent Index 2026 gives clear price ranges for the neighbourhoods around the campus.

A room in a shared flat is by far the most popular choice near City, keeping costs manageable in central London and making it easy to meet people early on. If you would rather have your own space, a studio in Islington is a self-contained option close to campus, with bills included in a good share of listings, so check what each monthly figure covers.

When should I start looking for accommodation near City University of London?

Start early, because London's rental market is fast and competitive.

• City's main intake is in September, so the best central listings go over the summer.
• Booking two to three months ahead gives you the widest choice around Islington and the centre.
• Reserving online before you arrive lets you sign from home and move straight into a furnished flat.

A search in late spring or early summer is the calmest way to secure a good room.

How does Spotahome verify properties and what happens if the apartment doesn't match the listing?

Every home goes through a listing verification process before it goes live, so the photos and details match the real property.

• If the flat doesn't match the listing when you arrive, report it within the first 24 hours.
• The Spotahome team then helps resolve it, by mediating with the landlord or arranging alternative accommodation.

It is a practical safety net when you are booking a home from abroad.

How much deposit do I have to pay? And when is it returned?

The deposit is set by each landlord, usually one or two months' rent.

• On listings tagged "Deposit protected", if the landlord fails to return it within three months of move-out and you met the contract terms, Spotahome refunds it to you directly.
• Many properties also come with no deposit at all, and you can filter for these in the search.

Check the listing before booking to see which option applies.

Do I need a guarantor to rent on Spotahome?

No, you do not need a local guarantor or a UK payslip to book.

• To reserve, you usually only need your ID or passport, your acceptance letter or student or worker credentials, and a payment method.
• Once the landlord accepts your booking, they may request proof of solvency and a bank direct debit to finalise the contract.

Having these ready in advance keeps the last step quick and smooth.

What is included in the monthly rent? What is not?

The monthly price always covers the rent, the property tax and the building service charges. Many listings also bundle utilities (electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi), although not every property does. Some apply a fixed monthly fee instead. Personal items and food are never part of the rent, and optional extras such as weekly cleaning or a parking space are usually charged on top. Read each listing carefully before booking to know exactly what's covered.

Why is Spotahome the best option for Erasmus and other students at City University of London?

Spotahome is the ideal platform for City University of London students because it offers:

• A wide choice near City: more than 550 homes in areas like Islington, Hackney and Camden, many less than 15 minutes from campus.
• Affordable options: around 90 rooms in shared flats near campus, with bills included in many cases.
• 100% online booking: you can rent from any country or city before you even arrive in London.
• Flexible contracts: stays of 3 to 11 months, ideal for exchange terms, with room for shorter or longer periods too.
• Lower cost: commissions are lower than those of traditional estate agencies.

Spotahome has been helping students find accommodation since 2014, and more than 200,000 have already booked with us.