Why London Bridge Is a Great Area for Students

The London Bridge neighbourhood is a vibrant area that seamlessly blends modern developments with historic landmarks. Located in central London on the South Bank of the River Thames, it attracts residents and visitors alike. As a Riverside District, it spans from the actual bridge to Bankside in the west and Tower Bridge in the east.The area is both a popular tourist destination and a thriving business hub, known for its culture, sightseeing, and excellent transport connections. Prominent landmarks include The Shard, Borough Market, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe, Southwark Cathedral, and Tate Modern, among others.

Getting Around: Transport Links in London Bridge

London Bridge is renowned for its excellent transport links, giving students, workers, and visitors easy access to the Northern and Jubilee tube lines, as well as national rail services. Whether travelling to university, commuting to part-time work, or exploring London, getting around from London Bridge is straightforward.

Tube Lines (Northern & Jubilee)

Northern Line: The busiest tube line in the capital, particularly during morning peak hours.Jubilee Line: Highly interconnected, linking to almost every tube line, the Elizabeth Line, Overground, DLR, and various National Rail stations. Modern features include air-conditioned trains, platform screen doors, and step-free access at most stations.

National Rail Services

London Bridge Station offers national rail connections to South London, Kent, and East Sussex, served by Southeastern and Southern trains. Southeastern covers South-East London, East Sussex, and Kent, while Southern Rail connects to the Sussex Coast.

Cycling via Santander Bikes

Students can easily cycle using Santander bikes, with hire stations at Duke Street and Snowfields, London Bridge.

Universities Near London Bridge

Below is a list of universities within a 20-minute commute from London Bridge station

London South Bank University: ​This is one of the closest universities to London Bridge, and it is a public university in Elephant and Castle. It is situated in the London Borough of Southwark, close to the South Bank of the River Thames.

Walking: ~15–20 minutesBy Tube/Bus: ~10 minutes

King’s College London (KCL) – Guy’s Campus (at London Bridge): King’s College has five campuses in the capital, and one of such is the Guy’s campus, which houses the faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine and the Dental Institute. The campus is adjacent to the popular Guy’s Hospital.

Walking: 2–5 minutes (directly next to the station)Home to Medicine, Dentistry, and Life Sciences faculties.

King’s College London (KCL) – Strand Campus:The KCL Strand campus is one of the five campuses,and is next to  King's Somerset House, close to the Royal Courts of Justice and only a few minutes' walk from Covent Garden and the heartbeat of London's West End. The faculty is home to the faculty of arts and humanities, social sciences, policy, Natural and Mathematical sciences and the school of law.

By Tube/Bus: 10–15 minutesLocated near Temple/Charing Cross.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)Unlike King’s College London, LSE does have one concentrated campus in a single location. All of the university’s administrative, academic and facilities are situated within a few meters from each other. The main campus location is around Clare Market and Houghton Street.

By Tube/Bus: 12–18 minutesClosest stations: Temple / Holborn.

University of the Arts London (UAL) – London College of Communication (Elephant & Castle) The London College of Communications is part of the University of the Arts London and specialises in media-related subjects such as graphic design, film studies, animation, advertising, photography and a host of others.

Walking: ~20 minutes

By Tube/Bus: ~10 minutes

London School of CommerceThe London School of Commerce is not an independent or standalone institution but an Associate College of the University of Suffolk. It was established with a commitment to providing flexible opportunities for UK and international students to obtain access to affordable higher education. It is located in Chaucer House, White Hart Yard.

Walking: ~5–10 minutes

Good proximity to London Bridge station.

Goldsmiths, University of London is one of the most prominent points of interest in New Cross, South East London. As a public university, it is notable for its reputation in the arts, social sciences, humanities, and creative fields. The university was established in 1891 as an integral part of the University of London and provides a single-location campus that facilitates  a strong and creative community with a global focus.

By Overground/Bus: ~20 minutes

Closest station: New Cross / New Cross Gate.UCL (straightforward Northern Line journey):

Student Accommodation – Chapter London Bridge

London Bridge’s central location makes student accommodation highly sought after. Chapter London Bridge, opened in Summer 2025, is a modern, secure residence offering 904 well-designed studios and apartments.Amenities include:Rooftop terraceOnsite gymCommunal roomPrivate dining spaceCinemaStudy spacesChapter provides students with contemporary living in the heart of London.

Things to Do in London Bridge: Culture, Food & Attractions

London Bridge offers a rich mix of culture, entertainment, and sightseeing:

Nearby attractions: Borough Market, The Shard, Tower of London, HMS Belfast

Riverside walks: Southbank riverside for street-relieving strolls

Arts & history: Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe within walking distanceThis area is ideal for students who want a blend of entertainment, history, arts, culture, and food.

Best Student-Friendly Food Spots

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, the renowned Irish playwright and critic once said “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” We all love good food and the London Bridge area is not short of good and budget-friendly eateries, restaurants and coffee shops. London Bridge is a perfect location for budget-friendly student meals, late-night eats, vegetarian and vegan options Borough For quick lunch meals in between lectures,  Borough Market offers a great option for the variety and affordable food options.

Groceries, Daily Essentials & Convenience Stores

There is an M&S Simply Food at London Bridge Station where snacks, fresh produce, ready meals and regular groceries can be purchased. You also have a Tesco Express on Tooley Street and London’s on Borough High Street. You also have a Sainsbury Local near London Bridge, which is located on 1A Queen Elizabeth Street, Southwark.

Nightlife & Social Scene

For students looking for a fun social night without having to commute to the West End or Camden, then London Bridge is a great place for lively riverside bars, buzzing pubs and cool hangouts. Places such as London Bridge Rooftop, The George Inn, Bar Story and Barrowboy & Banker.  Whether you prefer relaxed evenings, craft beer, or live music, the area is full of places to unwind after lectures or studying.