North London
Hampstead / Finchley Road
Congratulations on getting into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), that’s a massive achievement! With its world-class reputation, massive range of performing arts programmes and an alumnus stacked with incredible performers, you’re about to start an incredible chapter in one of the world’s best cities for students.
Living and studying in London gives you an amazing student experience. Year after year, London is celebrated as one of the best student cities in the world, which isn’t surprising given how much there is to do.
Whether you’re into theatre, music, history, or trying out new foods — London’s got you covered.
But before you dive into all the fun, you’ll need to find the perfect place to call home. This guide will cover everything you need to know about RADA and student accommodation in London.
RADA Theatre on Malet Street — By Philafrenzy - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.0, link
RADA is smack bang in the middle of one of the best areas of London — Bloomsbury. The area has been home to RADA since 1905 and is a hotspot for students from a huge range of London universities.
The academy was founded in 1904 by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (what a name!), a famous actor-manager. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most prestigious drama schools worldwide. Its alumni include legends like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Roger Moore, Diana Rigg, Alan Rickman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and many, many more.
The address of the main RADA campus is:
The campus has everything dramatic arts students need and is packed with top-notch facilities, including:
Now that you’re up to speed with where RADA is and what’s on campus, it’s time to think about your student accommodation options. Let’s take a look.
One of the trickiest but most exciting parts of moving to London as a student is choosing an area to live in. London is one of Europe’s biggest cities and has got tonnes of incredibly distinct areas which means you’re bound to find somewhere that suits you.
So whether you’re looking to be right in the heart of the action or somewhere a bit quieter to get your head down and study, London’s got you covered. And with its public transport system, you’re never far from anything.
There aren’t many areas of London that can compete with Bloomsbury for student living. It has that academic vibe with its historic buildings, plenty of student-friendly spots and the British Museum and loads of cafes, bars and bookstores are right nearby. And for RADA students, Bloomsbury is super convenient. It’s so close you can be on campus in no time.
For drama students, Bloomsbury is home to some fantastic theatres, such as the Bloomsbury Theatre, and The Shaw Theatre, where you can catch performances or get involved in the local dramatic arts scene. The area’s also got lovely green squares like Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square, perfect for relaxing or a quick rehearsal session in the fresh air.
Check out student accommodation in Bloomsbury.
If you consider yourself a bit of an explorer, you won’t find many better spots in London than Euston. It’s just up the road from Bloomsbury and has some of the best transport links in the city for getting around London, the UK and Europe. Plus, it’s easy to get to RADA.
But Euston’s got way more than just transport links, you’ll also find plenty of affordable restaurants, lively pubs, and shops. Plus, the British Library is just down the road. Regent's Park is also nearby with plenty of green space and the famous Open Air Theatre. Nearby you’ve got King's Place and Camden People's Theatre, which are fantastic venues for live performances.
Check out student accommodation in Euston.
Pimlico is known for its lovely garden squares and its location right on the Thames. The area offers a quieter, more residential feel while still being in the heart of London. It’s a little bit further from RADA than Bloomsbury and Euston, but it's well worth the commute for its chilled atmosphere.
For drama students, Pimlico is close to a bunch of cultural landmarks, including the Tate Britain Gallery and the riverside walk along the Thames. The nearby Chelsea Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square are great venues to catch a show or try to get some experience on stage or behind the scenes.
Check out student accommodation in Pimlico.
Earl’s Court is an exciting area popular with students and young professionals. The area hosts various events throughout the year and has loads of affordable restaurants and shops. It’s a bit further out but has good transport links to RADA.
Earl’s Courts got something for everyone with a wide range of dining options, from international cuisines to cosy cafes, and a lively nightlife with numerous bars and music venues. For drama students, the nearby Finborough Theatre and The Drayton Arms Theatre are great places to catch local performances.
Check out student accommodation in Earl’s Court.
If you’re not too fussed about spending a little more time on the tube in the morning, West Kensington is a bit further from RADA but offers a great mix of local calm and city excitement. It’s well-connected by public transport, making your commute to classes and rehearsals a doddle.
The area is full of traditional pubs, a wide range of restaurants, and the beautiful Holland Park. For drama students, you’ll find great venues nearby, like the Barons Court Theatre and Finborough Theatre, both known for showcasing new and experimental performances.
Discover student accommodation in West Kensington.
Hammersmith’s got something for everyone with a massive mix of theatres, music venues, and riverside pubs. The area is known for its lively atmosphere and while it’s a little bit further from RADA, it’s a great spot for anyone who wants to live in a lively part of London.
The Apollo is Hammersmith’s most famous venue and it hosts a huge variety of performances throughout the year, from concerts to comedy shows. The area’s also got a busy high street with shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. For theatre lovers, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre offers a massive range of performances and opportunities to get involved in the arts.
Explore student accommodation in Hammersmith.
Hampstead is one of the most picturesque areas in London, known for its charming streets, large green spaces and village vibe. It’s a bit further out from RADA but offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Hampstead Heath is undoubtedly the most famous part of the area. It’s one of London’s largest and most impressive parks and it’s perfect for relaxing and exploring (when the weather allows you to). The area also has a strong artistic and literary heritage, with former residents including famous actors like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Judi Dench and Benedict Cumberbatch (not all at the same time!). The Hampstead Theatre is a local gem, offering high-quality productions and a platform for emerging talent.
Check out student accommodation in Hampstead.
Starting your studies at RADA in London is an exciting journey. Whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the UK or from abroad, there’s so much to look forward to. London is known for being a fantastic student city, but it’s normal to feel a bit anxious about the big move and be a bit unsure about where you want to live.
We hope this guide has helped ease some of your concerns, but if you still have questions about where to live or what to expect as a student in London, feel free to reach out. At StudentStudios2Let, we’re here to help you transition smoothly into university life.
Here’s what you get with all our student accommodation options:
Start exploring your student accommodation options today with StudentStudios2let today. If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team.
Featured image credit: By Sheila1988 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, link
