Starting university marks an exciting new chapter in your life. One of the first big decisions you’ll make after accepting your offer from Roehampton is where to live. At the University of Roehampton, you can choose either to live at home and commute to our southwest London campus or you can move into one of our on-campus halls. Each option comes with its own unique set of advantages, and what works best will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences.
Our location is perfect for either option, we are just 30 minutes away from central London. Barnes Station is a 14 minute walk from campus or a eight minute bus ride. Direct trains will get you to Waterloo in just 20 minutes or you can get on the District Line at Putney Bridge, just a 15 minute bus ride from campus. Ideal for a quick trip into central with friends or if you are commuting in from across London.
Living in halls
Roehampton’s on-campus accommodation offers a supportive and exciting environment, located just minutes from your lectures, the library, and social spaces.
The pros
Independence: living on your own teaches you valuable life skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting. This is likely to be your first time living away from home, Roehampton offers a safe and supportive environment to make your first experience of moving away from home a good one!
Convenience: from last-minute library trips and fitting in a quick gym session after class, to getting to your lectures on time, living on campus can make everything easier.
Supporting the environment: everything on campus is within walking distance so you won’t need to rely on public transport. Not only does this save time and money, you will also be doing your bit for the environment, reducing your carbon footprint!
Green space: be surrounded by green spaces (a rarity for London). Living on campus, you are surrounded by woodland, gardens and lakes, great for your mental wellbeing. Our campus is next door to Richmond Park, providing plenty of space for outdoor activities.
Living with friends: if you and your friends decide you want to live together, let us know and we can arrange that for you. Living in on-campus halls is also a really great way to meet lots of new people outside of your course.
Job opportunities: apply for part-time work on campus. Shifts are flexible with your timetable, and you won’t have to worry about travelling to work.
The challenges
Distractions: halls can have a lot going on, however you can let us know what living situation you would prefer, and we will do our best to accommodate you!
Costs: renting can be more expensive, but Roehampton offers a range of affordable options, and all bills are included, plus you will be paying nothing when it comes to commuting.
| Living at Roehampton | Living in private managed halls | Renting a room in a 4-bed house with flat mates | Notes | |
| Rent | £195 | £318 | £195 | Average London rent 2025 (Save our student survey) |
| Commuting costs | No commuting costs | £36.70 weekly travel card | £36.70 weekly travel card | Prices accurate for zones 1-3 |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included | £10 | |
| Water bills | Included | £11.50 | £11.50 | Average by Discover Water |
| Gas and electric | Included | Included | £20 | Average rate taken from National Student Accommodation Survey 2025 based on winter fuel rates |
| Contents insurance | Included | Included | £7 | |
| Council tax | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Students are exempt from council tax if living with other full-time students |
| Laundry | Included | £6 | Included | £1 wash/dry per week |
| Gym | £3.75 | £10 | £10 | |
| Total per week | £198.75 | £382.20 | £290.20 |
Living at home
The pros
Saving money: you might live rent-free at home and not have to worry about the cost of accommodation and the other costs that come with living independently like weekly food shops.
Family support: having your family around can be helpful, especially during exam season or when you’re adjusting to university life.
Home comforts: it goes without saying, your own bed and a stocked fridge.
Commuting facilities: we have college kitchens located across campus with lockers, comfortable seating, fridges and microwaves, giving you somewhere to heat up your food and relax in-between lectures. The Hive Café is a great spot for a coffee and chill.
The challenges
Commute: early lectures can mean early starts when travelling into university. Public transport isn’t always reliable; however, we do have secure bike sheds for if you decide to cycle in, as well as free parking on campus on a first-come, first-served basis.
Not as independent: you’ll need to know how to cook and budget in life, living at home means you’ll probably be less likely to develop these essential skills early.
Missing out on the fun stuff: commuting may make it more difficult to get involved in social events later in the evening.
The great thing about Roehampton is that you’re supported either way and your experience as a student will not differ depending on where you live. Whether you’re commuting in or living on campus, what matters most is making your university experience your own and doing what is best for you!
Find out more about living on campus and commuting.