Why Staying in London for Summer is Worth it

Whether you’re loving life in your university city and want to experience everything that London has to offer this summer, need a place to stay for a London summer course or just looking to explore a new city, urbanest’s summer accommodation is the perfect base. For a lot of students, summer in London is one of the best parts of the year, quieter campuses, a packed social calendar, and the city finally slowing down enough to actually enjoy it. Here’s why staying put makes sense.

1. You get London at its best

Summer is when the city opens up. Parks fill out, rooftop bars get good, and the events calendar runs nonstop, from festivals and open-air cinemas to markets and art shows. If you’ve spent the year rushing between lectures and the library, summer is when you actually get to see the place you’ve been living in.

All urbanest locations sit in zone 1, so whether you want to explore a new neighbourhood or finally make it to that museum you’ve walked past a hundred times, it’s all on your doorstep. Check out things to do in London over the summer on the student journal for ideas.

2. It works around an internship or summer course

A lot of students stay because they have to – internships, UCL Summer School, LSE summer programmes, and pre-sessional courses all run through the summer months. If you’re commuting daily for a placement in the city, being based centrally makes a real difference to your day.

urbanest properties are close to London’s main universities and transport hubs, so getting to work or campus is straightforward. Find out more about the best summer schools in london or how to get a summer internship if you’re planning ahead.

3. It keeps your independence intact

Going home after a year of living independently is a bigger adjustment than most people expect. Staying over the summer means keeping your own space, your own routine, and your own pace. For students who’ve built a life in London through part-time jobs, friendship groups, and a gym they actually like, it’s often the simpler option.

If you’re looking for a part-time job to earn some extra money this summer, read our picks of the best summer jobs for students in London.

4. You can stay with your friends

Not everyone goes home. If your flatmates are sticking around, or you’ve made friends across your building, summer is a good time to spend it with them without the pressure of term-time. Social events, day trips, spontaneous plans, it’s a different side of student life and usually a good one. Plus, it offers the chance to make new friends that you may not have met during the academic year.

5. It gives you a head start

If you’re returning for another year, arriving early means settling in before the September rush. You can sort your room, get to know the area properly, and start the academic year already comfortable, rather than still unpacking in week two.

Read our revision cheat sheet if you’re using the summer to get ahead on studies before term starts.

Things to think about before you book

Summer stays are typically shorter-term, so check what minimum booking lengths apply and what’s included in the rent. At urbanest, bills, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance are all covered, so there are no surprises. If you’re weighing up your options, take a look at available summer rooms to see what’s currently on offer. Or to help you choose where to stay, take a look at our guide to summer accommodation.