Student Accommodation near School of Oriental and African Studies

The School of Oriental and African Studies (also SOAS) of the University of London, was established in 1916, as a member of the University of London Consortium, and is Europe's top center for Asian and African studies. Originally known as the Oriental Institute of the University of London, SOAS changed its name to its current one due to the addition of teaching and research programs in African studies. Based on the QS World University Rankings in 2019, the School of Oriental and African Studies is ranked #288th in the world, with Development Studies ranked #8th, Anthropology #16th, Political Science #23rd, Religious Studies #28th, and other departments such as History, Linguistics, and Modern Languages among the #top100 in the world. According to the Complete University Guide, the Department of Finance and Management Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies is one of the #top10 business studies institutions in the UK.

Located in the heart of London, close to the British Museum and the British Library, SOAS is the only higher education institution in the UK specializing in the arts and humanities, languages and cultures, and law and social sciences of Asia, Africa, the Near East and the Middle East, and provides high-quality teaching to more than 3,000 students. With over 50% international students, it is one of the most diverse universities in the UK and one of the top universities in the UK. It has produced a Nobel Prize winner, heads of state, government ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, chancellors and many other leaders in their fields.

Are you a student who's looking for the best accommodation options near the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London)? Finding a place to live while studying can be one of the most overwhelming parts of school life. You want to balance the living cost in London and find somewhere close enough that you won’t miss lectures but not so close that going to class becomes a chore! Thankfully, there are plenty of great options available on uhomes in the SOAS area – from cosy apartments to luxury suites. We've also put together on what to consider when picking your ideal student accommodation near SOAS and rounded up our top picks here:

1. Fitzrovia Residences

Location: Cleveland Street, London, England W1T 4HY

Room Type: 1B

Commute: 6-minute drive/11-minute walk

2.  Fitzrovia

Location: 48 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London, England W1T 1QQ

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 9-minute drive/11-minute walk

3. Museum Street

Location: Museum St, London, England WC1A 1LY

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 10-minute drive/10-minute walk

4. Scala Street

Location: Tottenham Street, London, England W1T 2AW

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 5-minute drive/9-minute walk

5. Goodge St

Location: Whitfield St, London, London, England W1T 4EU

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 6-minute drive/9-minute walk

6. Guilford Street

Location: 69 Guilford St, London, England WC1N 1DF

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 7-minute drive/4-minute walk

7. Chapter Highbury

Location: 309 Holloway Road, London, England N7 9DS

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 18-minute drive

8. iQ Tufnell House

Location: 144 Huddleston Rd, London, England N7 0EG

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 21-minute drive

9. Chapter Highbury II

Location: 295 Holloway Road, London, England N7 8HS

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 19-minute drive

10. iQ Shoreditch

Location: 2 Silicon Way, London, England N1 6AT

Room Type: En-suite and Studio

Commute: 19-minute drive

The College's halls of residence have a capacity of around 800 students, and there are eight University of London halls of residence close to the College. The University's Residential Office helps to arrange student accommodation, and students are assigned individual tutors responsible for their welfare or academic progress. Students have personal tutors who are responsible for their welfare or academic progress. There is also a Student Welfare Officer, professional counsellors, a comprehensive health care service, and a full range of social recreational and sports facilities on campus. Generally, UOL offers advice and information on housing on campus, at UCL, in family accommodations and private homes.

The tuition and living expenses at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) vary based on the student's nationality and study type. Typically, undergraduate students incur a tuition fee of £9,250 per credit point per semester, with living expenses averaging around £13,000 per semester. For postgraduate students, the tuition fee is £10,500 per credit point per semester, with similar living expenses. In addition to tuition, students are required to pay an entry fee of £1,000 for undergraduates and £1,500 for postgraduates. Accommodation costs approximately £4,000 per semester for undergraduates and £5,000 for postgraduates. Students should also budget for book expenses, around £500 per semester for undergraduates and £1,000 for postgraduates.

See What's Hot near SOAS, UOL and create unforgettable experiences in London!

British Museum (Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG): A world-renowned museum housing a vast collection of art and artifacts from different cultures and periods.

Russell Square (Bloomsbury, London WC1B): A picturesque garden square with green lawns and a central fountain, providing a tranquil retreat in the heart of Bloomsbury.

The British Library (96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB): The national library of the UK, featuring an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historic documents, including the Magna Carta.

Camden Market (Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF): A vibrant and eclectic market known for its diverse range of shops, stalls, and international cuisine.

Grant Museum of Zoology (21 University St, London WC1E 6DE): A fascinating museum showcasing a diverse collection of zoological specimens, including skeletons, taxidermy, and preserved specimens.

Senate House Library (Malet St, London WC1E 7HU): A notable library known for its architectural significance, and it serves as a central library for the University of London.

The Foundling Museum (40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ): A museum dedicated to the history of the Foundling Hospital, with a focus on art, music, and philanthropy.

Bloomsbury Square (Bloomsbury, London WC1A): A historic garden square surrounded by Georgian townhouses, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a pleasant place for relaxation.

The Charles Dickens Museum (48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX): The former home of the famous Victorian author, providing insight into Dickens's life and works.

Covent Garden (London WC2E 8BE): A lively area known for its street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants, offering a vibrant atmosphere day and night.

Development Studies (BA):

SOAS is renowned for its Development Studies program, focusing on the economic, social, and political development of countries in Asia, the Middle East Africa and Africa. Students explore issues such as poverty, globalization, and sustainable development. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing on economics, politics, sociology, and anthropology to provide a comprehensive understanding of development challenges and opportunities.

African Studies (MA):

SOAS's African Studies program is a postgraduate course that offers an in-depth examination of the diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary issues in Africa. Students explore topics such as politics, economics, literature, and social development, gaining a nuanced understanding of the continent. The program often includes language study, allowing students to engage more deeply with African cultures.

Middle East Politics (MSc):

Given SOAS's expertise in the Middle East, the Middle East Politics program is highly popular. This postgraduate course explores the political dynamics, international relations, and socio-economic issues of the Middle East. Students critically analyze the region's complex political landscape, studying topics such as conflict resolution, human rights, and the role of religion in politics.

International Business Law (LLM):

SOAS's International Business Law program is a postgraduate course that explores the legal aspects of international business transactions. Students examine the legal frameworks governing international trade, investment, and corporate governance. With a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the program provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in businesses in these regions.

South Asian Studies (BA):

SOAS offers a distinctive South Asian Studies program at the undergraduate level. This course covers the history, languages, cultures, and contemporary issues of South Asia. Students can choose vairous modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests, whether in literature, politics, or social issues. Language study is often a component, enabling students to engage with South Asian texts in their original languages.

Public Transportation:

London has an extensive and well-connected public transportation system with the London Underground (Tube), buses, overground trains, and trams. Most University of London colleges are well-connected to these public transport options, making it easy for students to travel between campuses and explore the city.

Student Oyster Cards:

Many students in London, including those at the University of London, are eligible for a Student Oyster card. This card offers discounted fares on buses, trams, the Tube, London Overground, DLR, TfL Rail, London River Services, and most National Rail services in London.

Cycling:

Cycling is a pop and sustainable transportation in London. Many University of London campuses have bike storage facilities, and students often use bicycles to navigate the city.

Walking:

Depending on the location of a student's accommodation and the campus they need to reach, walking may be a viable option. London is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many students enjoy exploring different neighborhoods on foot.

Car:

Private car usage is less common among students in central London due to congestion, limited parking, and the availability of public transportation. However, some students may use car-sharing services or rent cars for specific needs.

University-Specific Information:

Each constituent college of the University of London may provide specific transportation information on its website or through its student services. This information could include details on campus shuttles, parking facilities, and any special arrangements for transportation.