London Dormitory Rooms

Student and Tourist Accommodations

London dormitory

Updated Spring, 2013

London hotels can be budget-busters for backpacking students, visitors from third-world countries, or victims of the weak U.S. dollar. Youth hostels are an alternative, but many tourists have found an even better option: residence halls at London's universities, where rooms are available at rockbottom rates during the summer vacation period (normally mid- to late June until mid- or late September). For example:

University College London has rooms from £33 (single rooms only), with discounts for alumni. Thirteen dorms were available when we last checked in 2013, some with ensuite facilities and some without. One dorm, Ramsey Hall, offers bed and breakfast, half board, or full board. For information, visit UCL Student Accommodation.

London Metropolitan University has a number of halls that are open in the summer, with both daily and weekly rates. The university's Summer Accommodation page has links to rates and other information.

The London School of Economics offers singles from £45, twins from £60, and triples from £83, with some rooms available during Easter and winter breaks as well as summer. For details, go to LSE Vacations and view pages for LSE's eight residence halls. Also see LSETopFloor for information on slightly more luxurious LSE apartments, studios, and rooms that can be booked throughout the year.

King's College London offers summer accommodation (including wheelchair-accessible rooms) at several locations. Unfortunately, prices weren't available online when we last checked. See King's Venues Accommodation for contact information.

Queen Mary, University of London has ensuite single or twin rooms at daily B&B or weekly self-catering rates. Residences are on the college's East London campus near the Mile End and Stepney Green underground stations. Click here for descriptions and rates.

University of Westminster's Individual Traveller choices include a number of Victorian and modern residence halls in London and its suburbs, with prices that range from £32 per night for a small single to £91 for a twin with ensuite facilities.

Things to know before booking at a residence hall:

Dorms don't offer double beds, and many don't have private bathrooms, so they may not be the ideal choice for a honeymoon or dirty weekend.

Breakfast and other meals are available at some dorms, and others have kitchen facilities. If you're on a really tight budget, access to a kitchen--even if you only use the refrigerator--can leave you with more money for the occasional splurge. (Warning: In some cases, you'll need to supply your own crockery and utensils, so read the descriptions carefully.)

Each university has its own vacation dates, and availability of rooms may vary among a school's residence halls. If the first dorm on your list doesn't have a room when you want it, be sure to try the other residence halls and schools before giving up.

Some residence halls offer special rates and services for groups; these are described on the university Web sites.

The rates in this article are subject to change. For up-to-date prices, click the links to the dormitory Web sites.

Also see:

Other London travel articles at Europe for Visitors

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