Stratford

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.

Stratford has undergone an incredible transformation over the last decade. Once known primarily for its role in the 2012 Olympics, Stratford is now a dynamic neighbourhood full of energy, opportunities, and cultural diversity. 

The town boasts excellent infrastructure, green spaces, and plenty of things to do with its great mix of entertainment, retail therapy, and proximity to central London. With Stratford International Station and Westfield Stratford City shopping centre on your doorstep, everything you need is within easy reach.

Close by, you’ll find Queen Mary University of London, a popular choice for those studying in East London, and a short journey will get you to other top universities like City, University of London. Stratford’s connectivity means you’re never far from where you need to be.

Students also love Stratford for its sense of community. Whether you’re studying in its libraries, hanging out in one of its many cafes, or enjoying the green spaces of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you’ll feel right at home here.

Stratford is home to one of Europe’s largest shopping centres: Westfield Stratford City. It’s a dream for students, offering everything from high-street favourites and designer brands to tech gadgets and home essentials. It’s great for a weekend splurge or grabbing last-minute study supplies!

Beyond Westfield, local gems like the historic Stratford Market bring a more personal touch. Whether you’re looking for fresh ingredients to cook a budget-friendly meal or quirky finds for your student room, there’s plenty to explore.

Dining options are just as varied. Whether you fancy global cuisine or a quick bite, there’s something for every craving in Stratford. 

In Westfield, you’ll find Japanese delights at Wagamama, hearty burgers at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, or comforting curries and stir-fries at Rosa’s Thai Café.

Pizza lovers should check out Franco Manca, while The Cow Stratford is a go-to for laid-back pub grub. Tap East is a microbrewery with plenty of craft ales on tap, and if you love a good steak, you’ve got to try Steakout or The Grill.

Enjoy authentic Asian flavours at Stratford Centre’s food stalls, or for something more unique, head to Sawmill for cosy brunch vibes. And if you fancy a coffee break, there are all sorts of cafés around Stratford to keep you fueled.

Stratford offers many ways to cut costs while still enjoying everything it has to offer. Make the most of student discounts with a TOTUM card, UniDays, or Student Beans for example. From cheaper meals to discounts on fashion and tech, these deals can make a big difference to your budget.

Transport costs are manageable with student discounts on Oyster cards, and the variety of eateries ensures something for every wallet.

For dining out, keep an eye out for student deals at local restaurants—many offer discounts on quieter weekday evenings. 

At Sanctuary Students, we make budgeting even easier with all-inclusive bills at our nearby Coopers Court student accommodation. This means your rent covers water, electricity, heating, Wi-Fi, and even contents insurance, so there are no surprises at the end of the month. Budgeting has never been easier when you know exactly what you’re spending!

Stratford is surrounded by some of London’s leading universities, making it a prime location for students. The University of East London is just a stone’s throw away, with its modern Docklands campus offering excellent facilities. Teesside University London, located nearby in the financial district, provides cutting-edge courses focused on digital innovation. Loughborough University London brings world-class research and teaching to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, while Staffordshire University London specialises in gaming, digital, and media education at Here East. With these institutions close by, Stratford is a fantastic base for students looking to study in an inspiring and connected environment.

If you’re looking for cheap student accommodation in Stratford, consider Sanctuary Students’ Coopers Court in Mile End. Just 10 minutes away by train, it’s a convenient option for students wanting to stay close to Stratford. 

Situated near Mile End tube station, Coopers Court puts you in easy reach of Queen Mary University of London, City, University of London, and other top campuses. Plus, the vibrant East End is on your doorstep, with its amazing food markets, parks, and nightlife.

Our en-suite rooms come with free 250 Mb/s Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, and free contents insurance—perfect for stress-free living. With just 54 en-suite rooms in flats of five, Coopers Court has a friendly, community feel. The en-suite bedrooms offer a comfortable private space with free broadband, while shared kitchens and living areas are perfect for making new friends and socialising after a day of lectures. You’ll find laundry and bike storage facilities on-site, too.

Safety and convenience are priorities in all student accommodation. With secure entry, CCTV, and nearby staff at Don Gratton House, you can focus on making the most of your student experience. Plus, you’re just minutes from Mile End station, making it easy to reach Stratford, central London, and beyond.

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