Stratford is a major transport hub in East London, close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and East Bank. It suits students who want fast connections to central London, the City and Canary Wharf, with plenty of shopping, leisure and green space nearby.
Typical area: East London (around Stratford town centre and the Olympic Park)
Main stations: Stratford (Tube, DLR, Overground, National Rail, Elizabeth line) and Stratford International (high-speed rail)
Zones: Stratford station sits in Zones 2–3 (cost and journey times vary by your exact route)
Best for: strong transport links, modern neighbourhoods, easy access to shopping and parks
Transport and travel
Stratford is one of London’s best-connected stations. Your exact journey depends on your destination and the lines you use. The examples below are station-to-station, off-peak.
Stratford → Liverpool Street: about 8 minutes (National Rail)
Stratford → Oxford Circus: about 20 minutes (Central line, direct)
Stratford → Canary Wharf: about 11 minutes (Jubilee line, direct)
Stratford → Paddington: about 18 minutes (Elizabeth line, direct)
High-speed option: Stratford International → St Pancras International: about 7 minutes
Peak times and service changes can affect journey times. We recommend checking a live journey planner once you have your host address.
Local character and safety
Stratford town centre (around the station and Westfield) is lively, especially at commuting peaks and weekends. A short distance away, many residential streets and purpose-built neighbourhoods feel calmer.
As with any large city, sensible precautions help:
Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and on public transport
Use well-lit main routes at night and be aware of your surroundings
If you feel uncomfortable, move to a busier area (for example near a station entrance or a shop)
Food and day-to-day living
Stratford has a wide mix of places to eat and shop, from food courts and chain restaurants to independent cafés and local takeaways. You’ll also find a good choice of supermarkets and convenience stores in and around the town centre.
Food options in the wider area often include:
Middle Eastern and Turkish-style cafés and bakeries
South Asian options (for example Indian and Pakistani restaurants)
East Asian options (for example noodles, ramen and Korean-style eateries)
Caribbean takeaways and grills
Vegetarian/vegan-friendly cafés (availability varies by venue)
If food preferences are important to you (for example a specific cuisine or dietary requirement), include this in your application so we can place you as appropriately as possible.
Local highlights
Up to five places students often enjoy in and around Stratford:
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – walking and cycling routes, sports venues and regular events
Westfield Stratford City – shopping, cinemas and lots of places to eat
East Bank – a growing culture and education quarter (arts venues and university campuses)
Victoria Park – a large nearby park for running, picnics and weekend strolls
London Stadium – major sports and concert venue (event days can feel busier nearby)
Who this area tends to suit
Students who want very strong transport links and shorter journeys to the City, central London and Canary Wharf
Students who like having shops, gyms and leisure options nearby
Students who are comfortable with a busier town-centre environment
Property prices (guide only)
Property prices in Stratford are generally mid‑range for London: often better value than many Central and West London areas, but higher than the UK average. (Guide only.)
Apartments (flats): around £350,000–£550,000 (roughly 80–180% above the UK average flat price).
Family homes (houses): around £450,000–£650,000+ (roughly 70–140% above the UK average house price).
Prices vary by exact location (for example Zone 2 vs Zone 3), property size and condition.
Things to consider
It can feel busy around Stratford station and Westfield, particularly at peak commuting times and on weekends.
Major events at London Stadium can increase footfall in the area on event days.
Some streets are quieter than others — if you prefer a more residential feel, tell us and we will advise on homes that tend to suit that preference.
FAQs
Is Stratford a good area for students?
It can be a good fit if you want fast transport links and the convenience of shops, leisure facilities and parks nearby.
Is Stratford safe?
Stratford includes busy town-centre areas and quieter residential streets. As in any large city, follow normal city precautions (for example keep valuables secure and use well‑lit routes at night).
How long is the commute to central London?
Many central destinations are reachable in around 20–30 minutes from Stratford station. Exact times depend on your destination, your route and the time of day.
Can you place me away from the busiest streets?
Often, yes. Tell us what you prefer (for example quieter residential streets), and we’ll advise on areas and homes that tend to match that preference.
Useful links
If you know your dates and your school or work location, you can apply for a homestay online. We usually respond within one to two working days.
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