Introduction
The University of East London (UEL) is one of the UK's most diverse and forward-thinking universities, welcoming over 17,000 students from 135+ countries to its Docklands, Stratford, and University Square Stratford campuses. With on-campus waterfront halls, vibrant city living, and a wealth of private housing choices, finding the right student home is a vital part of thriving at UEL.
Whether you're after the convenience of halls or the independence of private flats, this 2025 guide will help you compare costs, locations, and lifestyle options for a rewarding student experience in East London.
🏠 Why Accommodation Matters at UEL
Choosing your accommodation impacts your daily life, study success, social connections, and budget. Good housing close to campus reduces commute costs and stress. UEL is unique among London universities for offering modern, waterfront halls directly on the Docklands campus, making it an attractive option for students seeking both convenience and community.
Key Benefits of UEL Student Life:
- Modern waterfront halls with riverside views
- Diverse international community from 135+ countries
- Excellent transport links to central London
- Close to Olympic Park and Westfield shopping
- Strong support for international students
🏢 UEL Halls of Residence: On-Campus Living
UEL is unique among London universities for offering modern, waterfront halls directly on the Docklands campus. Halls are self-catered, secure, and social—making them a top choice for new students. All university halls include WiFi, heating, electricity, water, on-site security, basic insurance, and access to student support teams.
| Hall Name |
Location |
Room Types |
Weekly Rent (£) |
Key Features |
| Docklands Student Village |
Docklands |
En-suite, Studios |
160–260 |
Campus location, riverside views, vibrant community |
| University Square Stratford |
Stratford |
En-suite |
185–210 |
Short walk to Stratford campus and Westfield |
| Stratford Campus Housing |
Stratford |
Limited, En-suite |
160–210 |
Small site, close to Stratford campus |
Room Types and Pricing Details
- Shared bathroom: £160–£175/week
- En-suite: £185–£210/week
- Studios: £220–£260/week
Room types vary from shared bathrooms (best for budget seekers) to spacious studios that offer complete privacy.
"Living in Docklands Student Village was incredible - waking up to riverside views every morning made studying so much more enjoyable, and being right on campus meant I never missed a lecture!"
🏘️ Private Student Accommodation in East London
If you'd like more independence, East London's private student accommodation market is wide-ranging, with options for every budget and lifestyle.
Popular Private Providers:
- Unite Students London
- iQ Student Accommodation
- Scape London
- Amber Student
| Accommodation Type |
Rent |
Notes |
| Private halls (en-suite) |
£220–£300/week |
Modern, secure, all bills in |
| Shared houses/flats |
£650–£900/month + bills |
Bills may add £50–£80/month |
Private halls often feature gyms, study lounges, on-site teams, and strong communities.
💰 Average Living Costs in East London (2025)
| Expense Category |
Average Monthly Cost (£) |
| Rent (shared flat/house) |
650–900 |
| Groceries |
160–200 |
| Transport |
120 |
| Social & entertainment |
150–200 |
| Utilities (if not included) |
50–80 |
East London costs less than central areas, but budgeting is essential—especially for private flats that don't include utilities.
🗺️ Best Student Areas Near UEL
- Docklands: On-campus, peaceful, and waterfront views—ideal for first-years or those wanting to roll out of bed straight into lectures.
- Stratford: Lively, well-connected, next to Westfield shopping, Olympic Park, and lots of food options.
- Canary Wharf: Upscale, modern apartments, higher costs, close to London's business district.
- Canning Town & Plaistow: Cheaper shared homes, great Tube and DLR transport for fast journeys to all campuses and central London.
🍽️ Food & Grocery Expenses
- Weekly grocery budget: £40–£55, especially affordable if shopping at local supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Tesco).
- Eating out: £10–£20 per meal depending on location and cuisine.
- Meal prepping at home is a big money saver for most students.
🚌 Transport in East London
- UEL Docklands has its own DLR station (Cyprus) for easy connections to the city.
- Stratford is a transport hub (Tube, DLR, Elizabeth Line, National Rail).
- Full-time students should get an 18+ Student Oyster Card for 30% off travelcards.
- Average monthly transport cost: around £120, but living closer to campus can save a lot.
🎯 Lifestyle & Personal Expenses
- Gym memberships: £25–£50/month (look for student offers)
- Social activities: £50–£100/month (clubs, societies, nightlife)
- Phone & internet: £20–£35/month
- Study materials: £25–£40/month
💡 Tips for Affordable Student Housing
- Apply early for Docklands Halls: Popular room types (like en-suites and studios) fill up fast.
- On a budget? Shared flats in Canning Town or Plaistow are cheaper and well connected.
- Use comparison tools: Amber Student and similar sites make it easy to compare prices, amenities, and locations for private options.
- Watch your travel costs: Sometimes a slightly pricier room close to campus saves more in the long run if you use public transport less.
- Check if bills are included in your rent—especially for private housing.
"I saved over £150 a month by choosing Canning Town over Canary Wharf, and the DLR journey to Docklands campus was only 10 minutes - totally worth it for the savings!"
📝 Making Your Application
Apply for UEL accommodation through the university's online portal. Applications for 2025/26 are open—submit early for the best choice.
You must submit your application by the deadline (usually early May for guaranteed accommodation).
Steps:
- Get a UEL offer (conditional or unconditional)
- Meet eligibility criteria (age, full-time status, deposit payment)
- Fill out and submit your accommodation application online
- Accept your provisional room offer and pay any required deposit to secure your room
🎓 Final Thoughts
The University of East London offers some of the best student accommodation choices in London, balancing on-campus convenience and private flexibility. Docklands Student Village lets you enjoy riverside views and a true campus community, while Stratford and nearby neighborhoods provide lively city living and diverse housing options.
Budgeting, applying early, and weighing the real value of location vs. rent are key. Whatever you choose, UEL's accommodation team, transport links, and cultural diversity ensure a rewarding London student experience.
🔗 Useful Links
Need more? Visit the official UEL Accommodation page and compare private options via Amber Student. Want more student living tips? Leave your question in the comments!
FAQs – University of East London Accommodation
Q1: How much do UEL university halls cost?
Between £160 and £260 per week, bills included.
Q2: Are bills included in UEL student accommodation?
Yes, at university halls. In private/shared housing, bills are usually extra.
Q3: Where are the cheapest neighborhoods near UEL?
Canning Town and Plaistow offer affordable housing options for students.
Q4: Is East London expensive compared to other UK cities?
East London costs less than central areas, but budgeting is essential.
Q5: Can international students get student housing easily at UEL?
Yes, university halls prioritize international students for guaranteed accommodation.