St Mary’s University, London, is located in the best place to live in London, according to The Telegraph.
London Borough Richmond upon Thames, home to St Mary’s Strawberry Hill Campus, topped the newspaper’s ranking of all 32 London boroughs, praising its green spaces, community spirit, and quality of life.
The borough, which encompasses Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, and Teddington, is where St Mary’s students’ study, live, and socialise. The area scored top points across categories including Good Vibes and Culture and Activities, placing first and second – along with its abundance of parks and low crime rate.
St Mary’s prides itself in offering a London Oasis to students, and according to The Telegraph, “so leafy is Richmond that you could think you are in the countryside.” The borough’s 130 parks, commons, and woodlands - including Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and Marble Hill Park - make it one of London’s greenest areas.
The area offers riverside pubs, historic landmarks, and artistic heritage. The borough’s picturesque scenery has inspired artists for centuries - its views famously painted by J.M.W. Turner - and more recently served as the filming location for the hit TV series Ted Lasso.
The Telegraph described Richmond as “fully deserving of the top spot as London’s finest borough,” noting its blend of green open space, cultural life, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a description that perfectly matches the St Mary’s experience - where students enjoy the benefits of London living within a safe, leafy, close-knit community.