Heythrop College Accommodation Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.