Heythrop College Accommodation Guide

Student accommodation near Heythrop College in London, United Kingdom — hand-picked rooms, PBSA and apartments to help you find your ideal home for the September 2026 intake.

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Updated May 03, 2026

Important note for students

Heythrop College is no longer an active higher education provider. The University of London announced that Heythrop College would leave the federation and cease operations on 31 January 2019. Its former teaching base was around Kensington Square, London W8, close to High Street Kensington.

That means students should not expect:

  • a current Heythrop admissions office
  • Heythrop-managed halls
  • a Heythrop accommodation guarantee
  • new Heythrop student intakes

This guide is still useful if you are researching legacy Heythrop records, theology/philosophy study links, nearby London colleges, or student housing around Kensington, Earl's Court, Hammersmith and Bloomsbury.

Former campus area at a glance

The former Heythrop location sits in one of West London's most expensive, best-connected student areas. It is close to museums, parks, embassies, Imperial College London, Royal College of Music, Kensington High Street and several Underground lines.

Area Best for Typical student housing profile
Kensington / High Street Kensington Short commutes, premium location Expensive studios, limited shared flats, few budget options
Earl's Court Better value near Kensington Private rooms, flatshares, some studios
Hammersmith PBSA choice and strong transport Purpose-built student accommodation, studios, shared flats
Shepherd's Bush Shopping, nightlife, Central line House shares, private halls, lower rents than Kensington
Bloomsbury University of London services and halls Intercollegiate halls, academic libraries, central student life

Best practical choice: most students who need a predictable contract, bills included and student-friendly move-in should start with PBSA in Hammersmith, Earl's Court, Shepherd's Bush or central London, then compare it with private rooms.

PBSA near the former Heythrop College area

Purpose-built student accommodation is usually the most straightforward route for international and first-year students in London. It normally includes furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, utilities, maintenance support, secure entry and student-only tenancy terms.

PBSA is especially useful near Kensington because the private rental market can be expensive, fast-moving and deposit-heavy. A room that looks cheaper at first can become more expensive once bills, travel, furnishing, guarantor requirements and agency admin are included.

PBSA location Commute to High Street Kensington area Why consider it
Hammersmith Around 10-20 minutes by Tube/bus Strong student housing supply and easy District/Piccadilly access
Shepherd's Bush Around 15-25 minutes by bus/Tube Often better value than Kensington, with Westfield and Central line links
Earl's Court / West Kensington Around 5-15 minutes Closest realistic student housing zone, but book early
Bloomsbury Around 25-35 minutes Better for University of London services, libraries and intercollegiate halls

What PBSA usually includes

  • Bills included, usually covering electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi
  • Furnished rooms with bed, desk, chair and storage
  • On-site support for maintenance and parcel handling
  • Secure access, CCTV or staffed reception in many buildings
  • Common rooms, study spaces and laundry
  • Clear fixed-term contracts, often 40-51 weeks

University of London halls and legacy links

Heythrop was formerly connected with the University of London, so students researching the institution often come across University of London accommodation pages. Current University of London intercollegiate halls are for eligible students from participating institutions, not for new Heythrop students.

For 2026/27, published University of London hall examples show central London student rooms from roughly £218 per week for smaller shared-bathroom rooms to about £449 per week for larger catered ensuite rooms, depending on hall, room size, catering and contract length.

If you are now studying at another University of London member institution, check your current university's accommodation office first. Eligibility, quotas and application routes are controlled by your active institution, not by Heythrop.

Expected accommodation costs

Kensington is a premium London postcode, so budget realistically. The cheapest workable student option is usually a room in a shared flat farther west or north, while the most predictable option is often PBSA with bills included.

Accommodation type Typical weekly cost Best fit
University of London hall room, if eligible £218-£449 Students at participating institutions who secure a place
PBSA ensuite in west/central London £330-£460 Students wanting bills included and easy move-in
PBSA studio £400-£600+ Students wanting private kitchen and bathroom
Private room in shared flat £220-£380 Budget-conscious students comfortable with viewings
Private studio near Kensington £430-£700+ Students with higher budgets or couple-friendly needs

Budget warning: a private room at £260 per week can still cost more than expected if bills, broadband, council tax status issues, deposits, travel and furniture are not clear before signing.

Best neighbourhoods for a Kensington-based student life

Kensington

Choose Kensington if you want to be close to the former Heythrop site, museums, Hyde Park and South Kensington academic life. It is convenient but expensive, and budget rooms are rare.

Earl's Court and West Kensington

These areas are usually the first places to check if you want to stay close without paying the highest Kensington rents. They work well for students who want a short commute, supermarkets, cafes and Tube access.

Hammersmith

Hammersmith is a strong PBSA search area because it has multiple transport lines, shopping, riverside walks and direct routes into central and west London. It is often more realistic than Kensington for student budgets.

Shepherd's Bush

Shepherd's Bush offers busy student-friendly living, the Central line, Westfield, music venues and bus links. It can be a good compromise between cost, nightlife and transport.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is farther from Kensington but important for University of London services, Senate House Library and intercollegiate halls. It suits students whose current institution is in central London or who need academic library access.

Transport and daily travel

The former Heythrop campus area is close to High Street Kensington Underground station, served by the District and Circle lines. Earl's Court, Gloucester Road and South Kensington are also useful nearby stations depending on where you live.

Route Why it matters
District line Useful for Hammersmith, Earl's Court, Westminster and east-west travel
Circle line Connects Kensington with Paddington, King's Cross, Euston Square and the City
Piccadilly line from Earl's Court / Gloucester Road Useful for Heathrow, central London and north London
Buses through Kensington High Street Good for short local trips where Tube changes are awkward
Cycling / walking Practical for Earl's Court, South Kensington and Hyde Park, but check secure bike storage

If you expect late library sessions or part-time work, compare night bus routes and last Tube times before choosing accommodation.

Step-by-step booking timeline

When What to do
October-January Shortlist PBSA and halls linked to your current university, especially for September starts
February-April Compare contract lengths, guarantor requirements, cancellation policies and total annual cost
May-June Book viewings or virtual tours; avoid paying deposits before verifying the provider
July-August Finalise documents, arrival date, bedding packs, insurance and travel route
September Check inventory, photograph room condition and report maintenance issues immediately

For London, booking late can still work, but it usually reduces choice and pushes students toward higher-cost studios or less convenient commutes.

Scam prevention and safety checks

London student housing scams often target international students who are trying to secure a room before arrival. Be cautious if a landlord pressures you to pay quickly or refuses a live viewing, video tour or written contract.

Before paying any money:

  • Check the provider's official website and company details.
  • Never rely only on social media messages.
  • Ask for a full address and verify it on maps.
  • Confirm what is included in rent: utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry, contents insurance and council tax position.
  • Use a protected deposit scheme for private rentals.
  • Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts unless you have fully verified the landlord or agent.
  • Read cancellation terms before signing a PBSA contract.

Red flag: anyone offering a Kensington studio at a far-below-market price with no viewing, no paperwork and urgent payment pressure is probably unsafe.

International student guide and Right to Rent

For private rentals in England, landlords must check that adults have the legal right to rent. Government guidance says this applies to private tenancies, while many forms of student accommodation such as halls are exempt.

International students should prepare:

  • passport or Irish passport card, where applicable
  • eVisa access or UKVI share code, where applicable
  • visa decision information or immigration documents
  • university offer/CAS details, if requested by accommodation providers
  • proof of funds for rent and deposit
  • UK guarantor alternative, such as rent upfront or a guarantor service

Do not send sensitive documents through informal messaging apps unless you are sure the landlord, agent or PBSA provider is legitimate.

Tenancy agreement cheat sheet

Read every contract before signing, especially in London where annual costs are high.

Clause What to check
Contract length 40, 44, 50 and 51-week contracts produce very different annual totals
Bills Confirm caps, fair usage policies and excluded utilities
Deposit Private deposits should be protected; PBSA may use advance rent or booking fees
Guarantor Check whether an overseas guarantor is accepted
Cancellation Look for visa refusal, course withdrawal and replacement tenant rules
Guests Studios and shared flats may have limits on overnight stays
Maintenance Know how urgent repairs are reported and tracked

What to pack vs what is provided

Most PBSA rooms are furnished, but they do not usually include everything you need for the first week.

Usually provided Usually bring or buy
Bed frame and mattress Bedding, duvet, pillows and mattress protector
Desk and chair Laptop stand, extension lead and desk lamp if needed
Wardrobe or storage Hangers and laundry basket
Wi-Fi Ethernet cable if you prefer wired internet
Shared or private kitchen fittings Plates, pans, cutlery and food containers
Laundry room access Detergent and drying rack if allowed

If flying into London, it can be cheaper to order bulky bedding for delivery after you arrive.

Accessibility and special requirements

Kensington and central London have a mix of historic buildings, converted flats and modern PBSA. Accessibility varies a lot.

Ask providers about:

  • step-free entrance and lift access
  • accessible bathroom layout
  • room turning space and door widths
  • distance from room to laundry, bins and reception
  • evacuation plans
  • fridge access for medication
  • quiet rooms or sensory needs
  • proximity to step-free stations and bus stops

Because the former Heythrop campus is no longer operating, students with disability support needs should contact their current university's disability or accommodation team, not legacy Heythrop contacts.

Bottom line

For Heythrop College searches, the most important point is simple: Heythrop is closed, so there is no current Heythrop accommodation pathway. If you are studying elsewhere in London and want to live near the former Kensington Square campus, compare PBSA in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Earl's Court with University of London halls if your active institution is eligible.

Prioritise total annual cost, commute reliability, contract terms and safety checks over postcode prestige. Kensington is convenient, but a better-value room one or two Tube stops away can make student life much easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Heythrop College.

Is Heythrop College still open for students?
No. Heythrop College ceased operations on 31 January 2019, so there are no new Heythrop intakes or Heythrop-managed student accommodation routes.
Where was Heythrop College located?
Heythrop College was formerly based around Kensington Square in London W8, close to High Street Kensington Underground station.
Can I book University of London halls as a Heythrop student?
Not as a new Heythrop student, because Heythrop is closed. If you study at another University of London institution, check that institution's accommodation eligibility and application process.
What is the best accommodation area near the former Heythrop campus?
Earl's Court, West Kensington, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush are usually more practical than Kensington itself because they offer more student housing choice and often better value.
How much does student accommodation near Kensington cost?
Budget around £330-£460 per week for many west or central London PBSA ensuite rooms, £400-£600+ for studios, and roughly £220-£380 for private rooms depending on location and bills.
Is PBSA better than a private flatshare near Kensington?
PBSA is usually easier for students who want bills included, furnished rooms, maintenance support and a clear contract. Private flatshares can be cheaper, but require more checks and may involve separate bills.
What transport links matter near the former Heythrop College site?
High Street Kensington is on the District and Circle lines. Earl's Court, Gloucester Road and South Kensington add more Tube options, while buses are useful for short west London journeys.
Do international students need Right to Rent checks?
For private rentals in England, landlords normally need to check adults have the right to rent. Many student halls are exempt, but private landlords and agents will usually ask for documents or a UKVI share code.
How early should I book student accommodation in west London?
For a September start, begin comparing options from October to January and aim to secure strong-value PBSA or halls by spring or early summer.
What should I be careful about when renting near Kensington?
Watch for unusually cheap listings, pressure to pay before viewing, unclear bills, unprotected deposits, fake landlord profiles and contracts without cancellation terms.

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