Where is the cheapest place to live in London during the summer vacation? Here’s your comprehensive guide to affordable summer stays in London—because exploring the city shouldn’t break the bank!
1. iQ Vega
- Why you’ll love it: iQ Vega is equipped with a gym, a laundry room, a bicycle storage, and a study room. It also features 24-hour security and a friendly front desk.
- Summer perks: You can enjoy well-connected transportation, within walking distance of Nine Elms subway station (Northern line) and Vauxhall subway station (Victoria line). The location is very safe with the US Embassy and MI6 nearby. With a 5-minute walk, you can get to Waitrose, Tesco, the largest Sainsbury's on the South Bank, and a fast-opening Chinese food court.
- Nearby Universities: You can take the tube to University College London (UCL) in 23 minutes. King's College London (KCL) Waterloo Campus is a 17-minute bus ride away.
- Cost: From £346/week for a non-en-suite
2. Park House Student Residences
- Why you’ll love it: A single room only costs £215/week in South Kensington, with bills included and 24-hour security.
- Location gold: 5 minutes to Earl’s Court Station, 18 minutes to Imperial College London. Stock up at Sainsbury’s downstairs or grab Vietnamese pho next door.
- Dates: July 1—Sept 6 (perfect for summer interns/students).
3. Chapter London Bridge
- Splash of luxury: Brand-new (2025) en-suite rooms with Thames views and a 37th-floor sky lounge.
- Budget hack: Split a 2B2B (£493/week) with friends—includes gym, cinema, and many more modern amenities.
- Commute: 3 minutes walk to Borough Market’s food stalls, 20 seconds to London Bridge Station (Jubilee Line).
4. The Valentine, Gants Hill
- Green escape: East-facing garden access and 10 minutes to Valentine's Park for picnics.
- All-inclusive: Bills, 200Mbps Wi-Fi, bi-weekly cleans, and a movie snug for rainy days.
- Transit: 2 minutes to Gants Hill Tube Station (Central Line to Stratford’s Olympic Park in 15 minutes).
5. Charlotte Guest House
- B&B vibes: Homey rooms with tea kettles and free WiFi in residential West Hampstead. Walk 5 minutes to the Tube—20 minutes to Oxford Street.
- Perk: Tesco across the street for picnic supplies.
- Price: Around £100/night (shared bath options cut costs).
6. Station Court, Tottenham
- Social hub: En-suite rooms with a rooftop cinema, karaoke lounge, and views of Tottenham Stadium.
- Location: 5 minutes to Seven Sisters Station (Victoria Line to the London city centre in 15 minutes).
- Deal: Studios from £280/week—includes gym and events like pizza nights.
7. Kabannas London St Pancras (Hostel)
- Backpacker fave: Clean dorms (£35/night) or private doubles near King’s Cross. Use the laundry room for muddy day-trip clothes!
- Culture fix: Walk to the British Library or catch trains to Cambridge.
Pro Tips for Summer Savers
- Book early: Places like iQ Vega fill fast for July/August.
- Transport: Get an Oyster Card—Zone 2-3 stays (e.g., Tottenham, Gants Hill), slash transit costs.
- Eat smart: Cook in kitchens (Camden, Chapter) or grab £5 meal deals at Sainsbury’s Local.
London’s summer magic is yours without the price tag. Pack light, plan smart, and dive in!