Elephant & Castle

Elephant & Castle is surrounded by some of London’s top universities, making it a fantastic place for students. London South Bank University (LSBU) has its main campus here, just minutes from the station. King’s College London is also nearby, with its Waterloo and Guy’s campuses easily accessible.

Other universities within easy reach include UAL’s London College of Communication, which is located in Elephant & Castle itself, and Goldsmiths, University of London, which is just a short journey away. With so many universities close by, it’s no wonder Elephant & Castle is such a popular area for students.

Birkbeck University of London is located in Bloomsbury and was originally established back in 1823. It’s a well-respected university that tends to rank well and is known for its Birkbeck Institute for the humanities, science, research, history, psychology, computer science and physics.

City, University of London is located in the heart of the capital and was originally founded in 1894 as the Northampton Institute. The modern university is known for the City Law School, the School of Community & Health Sciences and related fields.

Imperial College London was created by Prince Albert and merged the Royal College of Science, Royal School of Mines and City and Guilds College into one. The current college has a narrow focus on science, technology, medicine and business and is highly regarded across the world for those subjects.

King's College London is a long-established university with links to St Thomas’s Hospital in the centre of the city. It has five campuses: Strand, Guy’s, Waterloo, St Thomas’s and Denmark Hill. It is known for dentistry, oral and craniofacial sciences, life sciences, medicine, psychiatry and related fields.

London Metropolitan University, or London Met as it’s known, is a centrally located university with a great reputation. It includes the Guildhall School of Business and Law, School of Computing and Digital Media, School of Human Sciences, School of Social Professions, School of Social Sciences and the School of Art, Architecture and Design.

The London School of Economics is one of the most popular universities in London where all courses are massively oversubscribed. The university is well known for anthropology, criminology, social psychology, sociology and social policy, international relations and business-related courses.

Queen Mary University (QMUL) is an ancient establishment founded in 1785. It is based in east and central London with campuses across that area. The university is known for research, medicine, languages, English literature, dentistry, drama and materials technology.

The School of Oriental and African Studies is based in Bloomsbury, London, and is a world-leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The university is known for teaching Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages, Arabic & Islamic Studies, Oriental Studies, law and social sciences.

University College London is the second largest university in the UK after the Open University. It was also Britain’s first secular university. It is known mainly for medicine, geography, education and training, anatomy and physiology, architecture, archaeology, psychology and pharmacology.

The University of the Arts London is made up of several colleges in London and only became a university in 2003. It includes the Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts.

Elephant & Castle, often called "The Elephant" by locals, is a central London neighbourhood in Southwark that’s bursting with energy, history, and culture.

The area is constantly evolving, with new developments, student-friendly hangouts, and cultural hotspots popping up all the time. It’s a diverse community, home to a large Latin American population, which means you’ll find amazing food, lively markets, and a unique cultural scene that makes it stand out from other parts of London.

Historically a major transport hub, Elephant & Castle has become a thriving student area thanks to its proximity to universities, affordable eateries, and buzzing nightlife. The area’s mix of independent cafes, street markets, music venues, and green spaces make it an exciting place to live.

Students love Elephant & Castle for its central location and affordability compared to some other London areas. Whether you’re studying in the library, exploring local parks, catching up with friends in a local café, or heading to one of the many late-night music venues, this place offers the perfect balance of study and social life. Plus, being so close to major universities means you’re never far from campus or study spots.

Living in Zone 1 means you’re close to everything and, fortunately, Elephant & Castle is one of the more affordable areas in central London which makes it a great choice for students. Shopping at markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl and Iceland can help you save money, and many local restaurants and shops offer student discounts if you ask.

Don’t forget to sign up for TOTUM, UNiDAYS, and Student Beans to save even more money with exclusive deals while at university.

A great way to keep costs down is by choosing all-inclusive student accommodation in Elephant and Castle, like our nearby Manna Ash House. With your rent covering Wi-Fi, water, heating, and electricity, you won’t have to worry about unexpected bills. This makes budgeting much easier, so you can focus on enjoying student life.

Getting around Elephant & Castle is super easy, with plenty of transport options connecting you to the rest of London. Elephant & Castle Station is served by both the Bakerloo and Northern Lines, meaning you can reach central London in just a few minutes. The station also has National Rail services, linking you to areas across the city and beyond.

If you're living at Manna Ash House, our closest London student accommodation near Elephant & Castle, you'll have everything you need right on your doorstep. Located just a 10-minute walk away, it’s incredibly convenient for students. Plus, Southwark Underground Station is also nearby, making it even easier to hop on a train and get to Elephant & Castle or anywhere else in London. With regular buses, bike lanes, and easy walking routes, you’ll never have trouble getting to uni, meeting friends, or exploring the city.

Elephant & Castle offers a great mix of shopping options, from high-street brands to independent markets. Castle Square shopping centre is a local favourite, home to a variety of shops, eateries, and pop-up events throughout the year. If you love a bargain, Walworth Road is packed with charity shops, perfect for finding second-hand fashion, books, or home essentials at student-friendly prices.

For everyday groceries, Lidl is just a short walk or bus ride away, offering affordable fresh food and essentials. If you’re looking for something a little different, East Street Market is a great spot to pick up fresh produce, clothing, and household items, all at budget-friendly prices. There’s also Hekede Asian Mart & Café, a fantastic local store where you can find authentic Asian groceries and grab a tasty snack or bubble tea at the same time.

One of the best things about living in Elephant & Castle is the incredible food scene. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or a fun night out, there’s something for every budget and taste.

For amazing street food, Mercato Metropolitano is a must-visit. This indoor market is packed with vendors serving everything from generous Pad Thai portions and Neapolitan pizza slices to authentic Venezuelan arepas. It’s a great place for a social meal with friends, and if you visit during off-peak hours, you can often find some great deals.

If you love independent cafés, The Electric Elephant Café on Walworth Road is a funky little spot serving gourmet coffee, homemade cakes, and affordable hot meals. Paladar is a hidden gem for those craving Latin American small plates and cocktails, while Daddy Bao is famous for some of the best Taiwanese bao buns in London.

For a relaxed pub setting, The Duke of York on Borough Road is a student favourite with a friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks. The Elephant and Castle Pub is another great option, offering tasty food at reasonable prices. Of course, you’ll also find high-street favourites like Nando’s, KFC, Wetherspoons, Pret, and Franco Manca, all just a short walk away.

If you’re after a late-night takeaway, head to Elephant Road, where you’ll find kebab shops, fish and chips, and plenty of independent takeaways serving up cheap and cheerful meals. Many offer student discounts, so keep an eye out for deals.

There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Elephant & Castle. If you love history, the Imperial War Museum offers a fascinating and free look into Britain’s military past. South London Gallery is another great free attraction, showcasing contemporary art from emerging artists.

For outdoor activities, Kennington Park, Burgess Park, and Elephant Park are all great spots to relax, have a picnic, or play sports. If you fancy a scenic walk, take a stroll along the Thames Path, which offers beautiful views of London’s skyline.

For nightlife, Corsica Studios and Ministry of Sound are legendary clubs with student-friendly events, while Toulouse Lautrec is a fantastic live music venue with classic French cuisine. If you love cinema, The Cinema Museum is a quirky and affordable attraction showcasing the history of film, and Tate Modern is just a short tube ride away, offering free art exhibitions and stunning views from its viewing platform.

If you’re into fitness, The Castle Leisure Centre has a gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and sports facilities. And for students wanting to explore further, Elephant & Castle’s excellent transport connections make it easy to visit nearby areas like Brixton, Camberwell, and South Bank.

If you’re looking for student accommodation in Elephant & Castle, Manna Ash House is a quick 10-minute walk away or a few minutes by car. This modern and secure London student accommodation offers en-suite bedrooms in shared flats, giving you the perfect mix of privacy and a social atmosphere.

At Manna Ash House, all bills are included, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs for utilities or broadband. Your rent here includes super-speedy 250 Mb/s Wi-Fi and even free contents insurance for extra peace of mind. The accommodation is close to major universities, transport links, and amenities, making it the perfect base for student life in London.

If you’re looking for even more options, Sanctuary Students has a great choice of student rooms across the city in Zones 1 and 2. Explore our full range of London student accommodation or contact us for more information!

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