King's College London Campuses: Locations, Features, and What to Expect

When you think of King's College London, a major public research university in central London with multiple campuses spread across the city. Also known as KCL, it's not one single campus—it's a network of buildings tied together by history, student life, and real-world access to London’s pulse. Unlike universities tucked away in quiet suburbs, King’s is right in the middle of the action. You’ll find lecture halls next to the Thames, labs next to hospitals, and cafés next to historic churches—all within walking distance of each other.

The main campuses—Strand Campus, the historic heart of King’s, located on the north bank of the Thames near Covent Garden, Guy’s Campus, home to the medical school and one of London’s oldest teaching hospitals, and Waterloo Campus, a modern hub for law, business, and engineering just across the river—each have their own vibe. Strand feels like stepping into a movie set with its grand staircases and Gothic arches. Guy’s is all white coats and quiet corridors, buzzing with future doctors and nurses. Waterloo is sleek, efficient, and packed with students rushing between seminars and internships. Then there’s Denmark Hill for health sciences, and the Thames-side Tower Bridge site for nursing and midwifery. Each one serves a different purpose, but they all connect through the same student ID and the same city.

Where you study shapes your whole experience. If you’re into theatre, history, or politics, Strand puts you steps from the National Theatre and the British Museum. If you’re studying medicine, Guy’s gives you direct access to a major hospital—no bus ride, no delays. Want to work in finance or law? Waterloo’s right next to the City, so networking isn’t a weekend trip—it’s your lunch break. Even the food changes by campus: Strand has fancy sandwich shops, Guy’s has quick hospital canteens, and Waterloo has global street food stalls that open after class. You don’t just learn here—you live here, in different parts of London, every day.

Knowing which campus you’re assigned to isn’t just about geography—it’s about lifestyle. Will you walk to class past the Thames? Or take the Tube from Waterloo to Guy’s? Do you need quiet for studying, or do you thrive in the noise of a busy city street? The right campus can make your student years easier, cheaper, or more exciting. And with King’s, you’re never stuck in one place. You can take a class at Strand and grab dinner at Waterloo, all in the same day. That’s the real advantage: you get the benefits of a big university without losing the feel of a small, connected community.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from students who’ve walked these halls, waited in these queues, and found their favorite coffee spot on each campus. Whether you’re planning to apply, just started, or are curious what it’s really like, these posts cut through the brochures and show you what matters: the daily rhythm of King’s College London campuses.