Best Student Accommodation in Croydon, United Kingdom

Croydon offers local higher-education options as well as access to universities elsewhere in London, so the right choice depends on your course and preferred campus location.

London South Bank University

London South Bank University (LSBU) has a Croydon Campus in central Croydon, around a five-minute walk from East Croydon station. The campus specialises in healthcare and currently offers courses including Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and an Integrated Masters in Chiropractic. Students have access to specialist laboratories and simulation facilities, modern study spaces, loanable laptops, and library resources. Its specialist healthcare focus makes the Croydon Campus particularly relevant for students interested in nursing, mental health, or chiropractic, while its location puts students close to East Croydon's rail, tram, and bus connections.

Croydon University Centre

Croydon University Centre is part of Croydon College and provides degree-level and higher-national programmes across areas including nursing, business, construction, engineering, digital media, esports, and art and design. Students have access to facilities including a dedicated Higher Education Common Room, Learning Resource Centre, Wi-Fi, study areas, and specialist teaching spaces. The centre also delivers nursing programmes validated by the University of Roehampton, with students graduating with a University of Roehampton degree. Its location in central Croydon makes it a convenient local option for students who want to study close to home while having the town centre's shops, restaurants, transport links, and other amenities nearby.

Kingston University

Kingston University offers a broad range of subjects across its campuses in southwest London, including courses in business, computing, design, engineering, science, health, and the built environment. Its 2027 results include No. 1 in London for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2027, highlighting its strengths in science. The university's campuses provide specialist facilities for areas such as engineering, healthcare, art, and design, while its southwest London location places students within reach of Kingston town centre and the River Thames. For students living in Croydon, Kingston offers a wider choice of degree subjects while staying within easy reach.

University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich has London campuses at Greenwich and Avery Hill, offering courses across areas including business, computing, engineering, science, education, and health. Greenwich Business School is ranked No. 1 in London for Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies in the Complete University Guide 2027. The university also holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, while its Greenwich Campus is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, close to Greenwich Park and the River Thames.

Croydon has a small selection of furnished rooms and private accommodation, with different options depending on your budget, preferred room type, and location. Here are two accommodation options available through Casita:

• Grace House: Offers twin and triple rooms and is around a 19-minute walk from Central Croydon.
• Double Room Near Central Croydon: Offers a single room around a 17-minute walk from Central Croydon, putting it close to the town centre.

Choosing the right student accommodation in Croydon depends on your university, budget, commute, and preferred lifestyle. Before booking, check:

• University commute: Check the complete journey to your campus, including walking time and changes, especially if you study elsewhere in London.
• Transport: Check the nearest rail, tram, and bus connections and compare the journey at your usual lecture times. East Croydon is an important local interchange for rail, tram, and bus services.
• Budget: Compare weekly rent and factor in food, transport, phone costs, and other essentials.
• Bills and Wi-Fi: Confirm what is included in the rent and budget for anything charged separately.
• Room and bathroom: Check whether the room is single, twin, or triple and whether the bathroom is private or shared.
• Location: Consider whether you want to be closer to Central Croydon's shops, restaurants, entertainment, and transport or prefer a quieter residential area.

The cost of living in Croydon depends on your accommodation, lifestyle, and spending habits. As part of London, students should also budget for regular transport, particularly if they commute to a university elsewhere in the capital.

Student Accommodation

According to Numbeo, the following figures provide a general guide to everyday living costs in Croydon. Actual spending varies depending on your lifestyle, accommodation, and spending habits.

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Student Discounts & Passes

Note: Prices and transport fares can change throughout the year. Accommodation costs are indicative and may vary depending on location, facilities, and whether bills are included. Check for the latest prices and fares before booking or purchasing.

Croydon has extensive public transport links with South London and central London, which suits students who live in the area but study elsewhere in the capital. Transport for London (TfL) operates the local bus and tram networks, while National Rail services provide connections to destinations across London and beyond.

East Croydon is an important transport hub, with National Rail, tram, and bus services available around the station.

Getting Around Croydon

Central Croydon is easy to explore on foot, with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and everyday amenities concentrated around the town centre. Students can also use TfL buses and London Trams to travel between different parts of the borough and surrounding areas. The tram network connects Croydon with destinations including Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction, Elmers End, and New Addington.

Tram

London Trams, operated by Transport for London (TfL), provide connections across South London. East Croydon is an important interchange between the tram network and National Rail, with tram services running towards Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction, Elmers End, and New Addington. This makes the tram useful for students travelling around South London without relying on a car.

Bus

TfL buses connect Croydon with surrounding neighbourhoods and provide additional options for journeys that are not directly served by rail or tram. Bus services at East Croydon include routes 119, 197, 312, 466, and N68.

Tip: Students can use the TfL Go app to plan journeys, check live arrivals, and see current service disruptions across London's buses, trams, and other TfL services.

Croydon has plenty on offer for food, entertainment, culture, shopping, and time outdoors, with places to relax and socialise without travelling into central London.

• Boxpark Croydon: Located near East Croydon, Boxpark brings together street-food traders, sports screenings, and social events. It is around a two-minute walk from East Croydon station, making it an easy option for students meeting friends after lectures.
• Fairfield Halls: Croydon's main performing arts venue hosts concerts, theatre, comedy, dance, and other live events throughout the year. Its current programme includes music, comedy, theatre, and other performances.
• Museum of Croydon: Housed within the Croydon Clocktower, the museum explores the borough's history and communities through its collections and exhibitions.
• Wandle Park: This town-centre park includes riverside paths, a skate park, community and ornamental gardens, a bandstand, tennis courts, and a café. It offers students a convenient place for a walk or break from studying.
• Lloyd Park and Coombe Wood: Lloyd Park provides open lawns, mature trees, woodland, outdoor sports facilities, and walking space, while Coombe Wood features woodland and ornamental gardens. Both offer quieter alternatives to the town centre for walks and outdoor breaks.
• Shopping and leisure: Centrale and the Whitgift Centre provide shops and everyday services in central Croydon, while Surrey Street Market offers another option for browsing local stalls and street food. Students can also find food, entertainment, and social activities around the town centre.