Housing
Location
USD’s program office and classes are at the College of Law of England and Wales, 14 Store Street, in the Bloomsbury district. The closest underground (tube) stop is Goodge Street (Northern Line). Stops at Russell Square (Picadilly Line) and Tottenham Court Road (Central Line) are a short walk.
There is no campus housing in London, so...
Accommodations are entirely at your discretion. Central London housing is recommended because commutes from cheaper suburban districts are long and costly. Housing located along bus or underground lines running near the program is ideal.
Housing Options
London universities offer summer dorm room rentals within walking distance of USD classes. Breakfast and high speed Internet may be included in the price. Usually provided amenities include: bedding, cleaning service, shared kitchens and laundry facilities. For a private bathroom, select an “ensuite” room. Security is reasonably good. London hostels are another budget choice. Students can rent a single room within a shared house or flat (apartment). Short-term apartment rentals are fairly expensive. Air conditioning is a rarity in London; private rentals may not include laundry facilities or Internet service.
Details
Note that prices are quoted in British pounds. Dormitory rentals can be secured with a credit card payment. Private landlords typically require the negotiated deposit to be sent by wire transfer in British pounds and may require a non-refundable payment of partial or full rent. Private landlords typically require a wire-transferred deposit. Do not send money without verifying that the landlord is a reputable estate agent or has the right to rent to you.
Internet resources
Hostelworld: Rated choices of some of the least expensive housing in hostels and small hotels.
Lonely Planet: Filter your search by type of accommodation and neighborhood.
Craigslist: London: A private business exclusively booking student housing with private landlords.
Recommendations from previous students and faculty
| Accommodations | Amenities | Location |
| Astor College of University College London |
Short walk to classes, near restaurants and pubs. | 99 Charlotte Street |
| International Lutheran Student Centre | Very reasonably priced. Offers daily breakfast and high-speed internet; easy walk to classes; shared kitchen, showers and toilets; quiet atmosphere; laundry facilities; near shops and restaurants. |
30 Thanet Street |
| Goodenough College | Rooms feature refrigerator and a wash-hand basin; communal bathrooms. |
21 Mecklenbergh Square |
| London School of Economics | Within walking distance of classes, but summer accommodations do not open until July 2. | Carr-Saunders Hall: 18-24 Fitzroy Street; Passfield Hall: 1-7 Endsleigh Place |
| University of London | Within walking distance of all classes. | Four residence halls: College Hall, Connaught Hall, Garden Hall and International Hall |
| Nido Kings Cross | New, high-rise commercial student residence with private bath and kitchenette in rooms. Many amenities include: tight security and food service; workout, recreation and laundry facilities. A 25-30 minute walk to classes. | 200 Pentonville Road |
Alerts and warnings
- Secure your housing sooner, not later. London is a busy city and popular summer destination.
- Do not arrive without a room reservation for at least the first night in London.
- Print out a map of the neighborhood and directions for reaching your housing location by public transportation from the airport (taxis are easy but costly).
- Take copies of all communications and receipts regarding your housing arrangements.
