Does King's College London Accommodation Put Master's Students Together?

Whether KCL puts masters students together in accommodation is one of the most common questions from incoming postgraduates, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on which type of accommodation you apply for, how early you apply, and whether you go with KCL's own residences or a private provider.

Here is what KCL's accommodation setup actually looks like for masters students.

How KCL Accommodation Is Structured

KCL runs two categories of accommodation: King's Residences (university-managed halls) and intercollegiate halls (University of London halls shared across multiple institutions).

King's Residences

King's Residences are available to both undergraduates and postgraduates. The key practical difference is contract length: undergraduate accommodation runs for 40 to 48 weeks, while postgraduate accommodation runs for 51 weeks. This difference in contract length means postgraduates often end up grouped together in practice, even though there is no formal policy separating them by level of study.

KCL does not guarantee you will live exclusively with other masters students unless you select a postgraduate-designated residence specifically.

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Intercollegiate Halls

The intercollegiate halls are University of London halls shared with students from UCL, LSE, SOAS, and other institutions. They house a mix of undergraduates and postgraduates from multiple universities, not KCL students only.

If living exclusively with other masters students matters to you, intercollegiate halls are probably not the right choice.

Postgraduate-Only Accommodation Near KCL

Several private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers near KCL offer postgraduate-focused or postgraduate-only buildings. The most recommended options for KCL postgraduates include Scape, urbanest, iQ Aldgate, Vita Student Lewisham Exchange, and Chapter Islington. These are within commuting distance of KCL's campuses and offer studio and en-suite rooms suited to postgraduates who want more privacy.

Scape specifically notes that postgraduates tend to prefer studios or private apartments, and their London properties attract a higher proportion of postgraduate and international students compared to standard university halls.

Students wanting premium private accommodation can also find luxury apartments near KCL campuses through providers that cater specifically to postgraduate and masters-level students.

KCL Accommodation Policy: What It Actually Covers

KCL's policy states that only current and prospective KCL students (and those from affiliated institutions) are eligible to apply for accommodation in the academic year their course starts.

There is no explicit policy separating masters students from undergraduates within shared KCL halls. The 51-week postgraduate contract is the main structural difference, and in practice this means postgraduates and undergraduates are often in different parts of a residence simply due to allocation timing.

The King's Affordable Accommodation Scheme (KAAS) gives eligible students priority access on a first-come-first-served basis. Postgraduate applications must be submitted by 31st July to qualify for the accommodation guarantee. After that date, rooms are subject to availability only.

The deposit for KCL accommodation is £450, offset against the first rent instalment.

KCL Accommodation Costs at a Glance

Tips for KCL Masters Students Applying for Accommodation

• Apply before 31st July. Postgraduate rooms at KCL are in high demand and the accommodation guarantee only applies if you submit on time.
• Read individual residence descriptions carefully. Some KCL halls have a noticeably quieter, more postgraduate-friendly environment than others.
• Private PBSA providers cost more than KCL's own halls but often offer better room quality, private bathrooms, and a higher proportion of postgraduate residents.
• If you are an international student, check whether your preferred provider accepts overseas bank transfers and whether a UK guarantor is required. Some providers have alternative arrangements for international students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does KCL guarantee accommodation for masters students?

KCL's accommodation guarantee applies primarily to first-year full-time undergraduate students. Masters students are not covered by the same guarantee. Postgraduate applications submitted by 31st July receive priority, but a room is not automatically guaranteed. After the deadline, allocation is subject to availability.

Will I be living with undergraduates in KCL halls?

Possibly. KCL does not have a universal policy of separating undergraduates and postgraduates in its halls. In practice, the different contract lengths (51 weeks for postgrads vs 40-48 weeks for undergrads) mean many residences end up being predominantly one or the other. If this matters to you, ask KCL Accommodation directly which residences currently house more postgraduates.

Are there postgraduate-only halls at KCL?

KCL itself does not operate officially postgraduate-only halls in the same way some universities do. However, certain private PBSA providers near KCL campuses attract predominantly postgraduate residents. Scape and urbanest are the most frequently mentioned by KCL postgraduates.

How do I request to live with other masters students at KCL?

There is no formal request process. The most practical approach is to check which specific residences have a higher proportion of postgraduate residents, apply early, and contact KCL Accommodation directly at the time of booking to ask about the profile of each residence. Joining KCL masters student Facebook groups to self-organise flatmate arrangements is also common.

What is the weekly rent for KCL accommodation in 2025?

King's Residences start from around £304 per week. Off-campus private student accommodation near KCL ranges from approximately £163 per week for shared rooms up to £390 or more per week for studios and private flats.

Can I live in KCL accommodation if I am an international masters student?

Yes. KCL accommodation is available to international postgraduate students. The deposit is £450. For international students, check whether your chosen private provider requires a UK-based guarantor, as some providers have alternative arrangements (such as paying a higher deposit or using a guarantor service).

What is the difference between King's Residences and intercollegiate halls for a KCL masters student?

King's Residences are managed by KCL and house KCL students only. Intercollegiate halls are managed by the University of London and shared with students from other London universities. Both accept postgraduates. Intercollegiate halls offer a broader social mix across institutions, while King's Residences keep you within the KCL student community.