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Moving to a new city or even country to study can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
With its close proximity to universities, affordable housing options, and a bustling social scene, Bayswater is a popular choice for students looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, and LHA London wants to show you exactly why this small but vibrant area is perfect for student life.
Transport in Bayswater
Bayswater is easily accessible from almost everywhere in London, whether you are travelling from the area to explore the city or wish to explore the area before you move.
Transport options include:
Bus services
Bayswater bus services are connected to popular shopping and sightseeing destinations like Liverpool Street (the 23), Acton (70) and Camberwell Green (148).
More information on buses from Bayswater can be found on the Transport for London website.
Tube stations
Bayswater has its own tube station in zone 1 with access to the Circle and District Lines, which run through central London. If you prefer to travel quickly without extending your budget too far, the Tube’s tap and go system makes it easy to jump on a train at a moment’s notice.
Check how much your rail fare will cost in London on Transport For London’s Tube and rail fares guide.
Road access
The M40 is only a short drive from Bayswater. If you have relatives visiting from overseas, or you wish to visit them during your holiday, Heathrow Airport is only a short Uber drive away.
Cycling
As with the rest of London, cycle routes are prominent across Bayswater so that you can travel for free wherever you may wish to go.
There are many benefits to cycling around London:
- You don’t need to rely on bus/train timetables to get places
- It’s completely free
- You can travel off road
- Easy exercise between lectures and working hours
Just don’t forget to lock your bike securely in a secure location when you leave it.
Affordable shopping in Bayswater
When you move to Bayswater to study, you’ll want to know where the best places are to get all the essentials: clothes, stationery, crockery, furnishings and food. But, when you’re living on a budget, it’s not always as simple as walking into the nearest shop.
We have done our research for you so you know where to look to get affordable goods:
Charity shops
Charity shops are one of the best places to seek cheap homeware. From clothes and bedding to crockery and books, having a good dig through charity shop shelves can help you find all the things you need in your student accommodation, as well as things you didn’t think you needed.
Even though you’ll find everything second-hand, volunteers have a good eye for the quality of items so you’ll never be settling for sub-par. Not to mention you’ll be doing a good deed for the environment and whomever the charity supports.
Look out for:
- Mind
- Royal Trinity Hospice
- Oxfam Boutique
- Fara Charity Shop
- Mary’s Living and Giving Shop
Amenities
Ryman Stationery: If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that pens always go missing. So, you can’t go wrong with a trusty stationery shop just around the corner.
Hardware DIY Shop: You shouldn’t anticipate needing DIY equipment in your student accommodation, but sometimes you may find yourself in need of an emergency screwdriver, or a few bits and bobs to help put together storage for your wardrobe.
Supermarkets: There are a wide range of supermarkets to choose from down Queensway, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or doing a quick food shop. We recommend sticking to own brand food as this is far kinder to your bank account than branded food, without any compromise on quality.
Boots/Bayswater Pharmacy: Having a local pharmacy within walking distance is an absolute must for any student that has a regular prescription. It’s also handy for buying suncream, toiletries and makeup without needing to go out of your way.
Entertainment
Of course, if you have a little extra and want to buy yourself a treat, then pop to the following shops to see what’s in store:
- CeX
- Alice’s Antique Shop
- Granier Bakery
- Amorino Gelato
And, of course, with Paddington, Notting Hill and Kensington surrounding you, you can always hop on the tube and drift further afield to the colourful array of shops that London has to offer.
Things to do in Bayswater
Arro Coffee
Arro Coffee is the perfect spot to sit, enjoy a classic Italian coffee and give your mind a break from studying. From a classic espresso to a stunning decaf blend, you can treat yourself to the finest, sustainably sourced coffee that is roasted in the UK.
Offering a wide range of milks to suit all dietary requirements alongside pastries, sandwiches and biscotti, recharge amongst friends or take yourself on a solo date to this wonderful coffee shop.
It might seem a tad cheeky, but it’s okay to spend a little bit extra every now and again. After all, your time at university should be about making new experiences and breaking out into the world.
Paddington Shop
Pack your marmalade sandwich, pick up your suitcase and take a stroll down to the Paddington Shop just outside of Bayswater. This little London treasure is definitely not the place to spend a whole day out, but makes a great stop to pick up some sweet souvenirs of one of England’s favourite TV bears.
Queen’s Skate Dine Bowl
Gather your friends for a fun night out at Queen’s London.
This ‘OG competitive socialising hot spot’ has everything you need to have a great time and make a fool of yourself amongst friends with activities including bowling, augmented reality darts, an all year round ice rink, and curling. You can also let loose at their on-site arcade den before settling down for a bite to eat.
Kensington Palace and Gardens
Just a short walk from Bayswater, you’ll find the historic Kensington Palace. Take a tour of the home that has shaped monarchies across the centuries and uncover the untold stories of the many people who worked for royalty.
If you don’t fancy entering the palace, then you can always explore Kensington Gardens which are, in themselves, a sensational attraction, home to japanese gardens, sweeping floral sights and the famous Serpentine Gallery.
Science Museum & Natural History Museum
A little further away, but still within easy access, you can delight in all that the Natural History Museum and Science Museum have to offer.
For those studying the sciences, both of these museums are the perfect study spots to get up close and personal with your field of study, but you don’t need to be a biology or physics student to appreciate the wonders within their walls.
With interactive exhibits and fascinating displays, these museums are a great place to marvel at human discovery and learn about the preservation of our planet.
Visit Notting Hill
With Notting Hill right next door, why would you not pay it a visit or two during your time living in Bayswater? In fact, we’ve put together a Notting Hill Guide to show you around all the unmissable sights so you can start creating your bucket list of Central London experiences.
Where to find accommodation in Bayswater
Your time spent in Bayswater can be made or broken by your choice of accommodation. We won’t lie and say that finding safe, secure accommodation in London is always easy, but that’s why LHA London was founded.
We believe that the cost of accommodation should never be a barrier to following your dreams. That’s why we provide affordable student accommodation in Bayswater, including Leinster House and Sandeman-Allen House, that gives you the freedom to live your London life as you choose.
For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation.
