AXO vs. Canvas – Why AXO Wins

When it comes to finding the right student accommodation in the UK, location, affordability, comfort, and community all play a critical role. Two of the more recognised providers are AXO Student Living and Canvas Student Accommodation. While both offer accommodation in popular student cities, AXO stands out as a more personalised, affordable, and supportive option, particularly for UK and International students studying in Coventry and London.

With a focus on student wellbeing, central city locations, and a streamlined booking experience, AXO delivers more than just a place to stay; it provides a supportive environment for success, both academically and personally. In this guide, we compare AXO vs Canvas Student Accommodation to help you make the best choice for your university life.

Prime Locations Close to Top Universities

AXO’s properties are perfectly positioned near leading universities, offering short commutes, excellent transport links, and easy access to student essentials.

• In Coventry, Sherbourne Student Village is just 15 minutes on foot to Coventry University, and a short bus ride to University of Warwick, and Paradise Student Village, which is just 5 minutes away from the Priory Campus and less than a 10 minute walk to Coventry City Centre and the train station, making both ideal for students who want to live near campus without breaking the bank. 
• In London, AXO Oxford Circus puts you in Zone 1, walking distance from UCL, SOAS, LSE, and King’s College London. 
• Other AXO properties, such as AXO Islington, AXO Camden, and AXO New Cross,  provide even more choice for London students wanting to be close to campus, with London Metropolitan, University of the Arts and Goldsmith’s University being close by, providing peace of mind.

Canvas also has a presence in major cities, but many of their locations are positioned further away from Campus and not in Central London locations. AXO strategically selects sites based on student demand and local accessibility, helping you save both time, money and keeping you close to the action of your chosen university.

AXO’s presence in Zones 1 and 2 in London is particularly beneficial, saving students hundreds annually in transport fees and offering a safer, more vibrant experience close to the heart of the city. You can explore AXO London student accommodation here.

Affordable, All-Inclusive Pricing for Budget-Conscious Students

AXO understands that students need transparent, affordable accommodation. Unlike Canvas, which often features premium pricing tiers and additional service charges, AXO keeps it simple:

• All-inclusive rent: Electricity, water, high-speed Wi-Fi, and contents insurance are included. 
• No hidden fees: Upfront pricing makes it easier to budget long-term. 
• Flexible tenancy options: Choose what suits your academic year and payment preferences.

AXO also offers some of the most affordable student accommodation in Coventry. For students in the capital, explore London student accommodation options for great value near the heart of the city.

Every AXO room includes:

• All utility bills (water, gas, electricity)
• High-speed broadband
• On-site security and CCTV
• Access to fitness rooms or social spaces
• Contents insurance
• Get a tree planted in your name

AXO offers premium-style living at mid-range prices, especially in high-cost markets like London.

AXO also frequently runs promotions and limited-time discounts. Visit our offers page for deals on student accommodation in London and Coventry.

A Focus on Student Wellbeing and Community

At AXO, you’re not just renting a room, you’re joining a community. Each site is designed to foster interaction, reduce loneliness, and support your wellbeing.

AXO runs regular events like:

• International food nights
• Fitness and mindfulness sessions
• Welcome mixers and seasonal parties
• International student meet-ups
• Exam stress relief workshops
• Holiday celebrations (Diwali, Christmas, Eid, etc.)
• Local area socials and orientation events

These events help first-year students, international students, and postgrads feel supported and settled. With a dedicated pastoral team, AXO provides a high level of student care, focusing on ongoing student wellbeing.

You can learn more about how AXO supports your journey at the Student Experience hub.

Students appreciate this strong focus on community, especially during their first year of study. AXO’s dedicated support system is a major draw for international students, too, many of whom seek reassurance and accessible help during their transition to the UK.

More Choice in Room Types and Facilities

AXO gives students real flexibility when choosing where and how they live. Whether you want a quiet, self-contained studio or a buzzing shared flat with friends, you can find it with AXO:

• En-suite rooms in shared clusters
• Private studios with full kitchenettes
• Accessible rooms for students with mobility needs
• Dual Occupancy 

Many AXO properties also feature study rooms, cinema lounges, courtyards, bike storage, and laundry facilities. 

Fast, Responsive Maintenance and On-Site Assistance

One of the areas where AXO consistently outperforms its competitors is in customer service and maintenance response times. AXO’s team is known for being hands-on and responsive, ensuring that repairs are dealt with quickly and professionally.

Residents benefit from:

• Secure entry systems
• Regular building checks
• A maintenance request portal for fast resolution 

This level of service ensures that students feel safe, supported, and confident that their home is well-managed. Based on student reviews, AXO consistently outperforms competitors on resident satisfaction and day-to-day support.

Simpler Booking Process and Transparent Contracts

Booking your accommodation should be easy, and AXO makes sure it is. With a clear, transparent website and a streamlined booking process, you can:

• View availability and pricing in real time
• Book directly online with minimal forms
• Contact friendly staff for one-on-one support
• Review tenancy agreements clearly before signing
• Deposit and rent details explained upfront
• Flexible move-in dates based on your course schedule
• No hidden admin or service charges 

AXO focuses on simplicity, clarity, and helpfulness — from your first enquiry to move-in day.

Tailored for UK and International Students

AXO is a popular choice among international students all over the world and to those from the UK, this is because AXO help with:

• Welcome support for new arrivals
• Flexible tenancy lengths
• All-inclusive utilities make budgeting easier
• Local guides and orientation events
• Multilingual team members at select properties

International students can feel confident moving into a safe, centrally located property with staff who understand their journey.

Final Thoughts: AXO Offers More, Without the Extra Cost

When comparing AXO and Canvas, the choice becomes clear. AXO offers students more control, better value, and stronger support, all without compromising on quality. With exceptional locations, all-inclusive rent, a genuine community feel, and support systems in place, AXO helps students settle into UK university life with confidence.

Ready to make the smart move?

Book Your AXO Student Accommodation Today

Ready to make the move? Our student accommodation in both London and Coventry is in high demand, so don’t miss out! Whether you’re looking for a stylish studio or a room with an en-suite or accommodation with a flatshare vibe, we’ll help you find your perfect home in London and Coventry.

Browse our properties and book your room today.

You can also request a viewing of our properties to see what some of our residences look like up close. 

What types of rooms are available at AXO Student Living?

AXO Student Living has a range of options for you, from single-bed en-suite rooms to double-bed and studio apartments, both of which cater to all students’ needs, styles and budgets.

Still have more questions? Take a look at our Student Accommodation FAQs.