Camberwell has a reputation for the arts which the college and its neighbour, the South London Gallery, are at the heart of. It’s a creative community that inspires us and is one that we are proud to be a part of and work alongside.
There are many housing options available to students including halls of residence. Camberwell College of Arts has 4 halls of residence in easy walking distance:
You can also rent privately. UAL accommodation will give you more information and advice about finding somewhere to live.
Camberwell is a lively and unique area of South East London with good transport links to all parts of the city including Brixton and Dalston. The area may look a little gritty on the outside but it’s an easy place to fall in love with.
Popular local venues and creative initiatives include Peckham’s cultural quarter; Copeland Park and Bussey Building, Balamii Radio, Theatre Peckham, Peckhamplex cinema and DKUK, an innovative salon run by Camberwell alumnus Daniel Kelly.
Surrounded by hidden pockets of green spaces, you have easy access to Burgess Park, the largest park in Southwark. Additionally, smaller yet charming green areas like Lucas Gardens and Brunswick Park offer serene escapes. Brunswick Park also houses the Outhouse Gallery, founded and directed by a BA Illustration graduate.
There are some great places to go out in the area. A particular favourite is The Peckham Pelican located opposite the College, students hold events there like print pop ups and mini art fairs. Other favourites include The Tiger , The Fox on the Hill and The Stormbird pubs in Camberwell or head into Peckham for the Four Quarters Arcade bar, SET Social an arts organisation and cultural and social space and John the Unicorn for cocktails, music and pizza.
Arts organisation Bold Tendencies runs an annual programme of lives events and commissions as well as hosting Frank's Bar on the roof, with some of the best London views in the city.
For health and fitness, Camberwell Leisure Centre, built in 1892 and recently renovated, has a swimming pool and gym facilities while at Peckham Levels you will find a yoga studio alongside their street food stalls, bars and studios which house nearly 100 local and independent creative businesses.
You can get some of the best food in London at affordable prices in Camberwell and the surrounding area, with the restaurants, cafes and grocery stores reflecting the rich mix of people living in the area.
Our students are particularly fond of Falafel and Shawarma Lebanese cuisine, FM Mangal - famous for traditional Turkish food, and Caravaggio Gelato for Baklava and Ice Cream.
For traditional Chinese cuisine head to Silk Road. For pizza there is Francesco’s with a £5 pizza menu or Theo’s Pizzeria is one of the best around.
For a coffee break there are plenty of independent coffee shops from South London Louie at the South London Gallery, to Lumberjacks or find some bubble tea at MooBoo
Head up to Rye Lane for more casual chain restaurants like Nandos, KFC and Greggs or if you are trying to fit in a quick bite during your busy day we have a Sainsbury Local next door.
Right next door to the College is South London Gallery and its second space The Fire Station showing international contemporary art. Other local galleries include Hannah Barry Gallery, Copeland Gallery and Bussey Building, Safehouse 1 & 2 and AMP Studios.
Find out more about the local art scene via the South London Art Map (SLAM) which provides a handy guide to the galleries in south London.