Neighbours reportedly heard screams coming from a room before a student was found dead in university halls.
The woman, 19, was killed in Arbour House, student accommodation in Clerkenwell, central London, police have confirmed.
It is believed the victim was a first year student at City, University of London. It has also been reported that the victim was an international student studying psychology.
Flatmates of the woman murdered called police after hearing screams in the early hours of the morning, it has been claimed.
Students have been seen leaving the halls of residence following the terrifying incident as police launch a murder investigation.
Some said they woke up to the sound of police "banging on doors" and now feel scared.
Sky News reported people could hear screams from the room before the incident.
Did you hear anything or know the student? Contact webnews@mirror.co.uk
Officers were called to the scene at around 5.10am on Saturday to reports of a woman suffering serious injuries.
Police and medics attended but the woman was pronounced dead.
Angelina Miats, 19, a business management student from Belarus, who is in her first year at City University of London told MyLondon: "I think she knew him. People who live in the same flat have said they think they were on a date or something. My friend who lives on the fifth floor, which is the same flat as the girl, said her housemates called the police after they heard screaming coming from her room.
"I think it’s quite dangerous in London, I didn’t expect something like this to happen, to me or to any of my friends, or the building where I live. I feel really scared and I’m not sure I want to stay here anymore, because it’s really scary."
One student who laid a bunch of flowers was woken up by a knock from the police.
He didn't know the woman but told MyLondon: " I woke up with the cops knocking on my door. I went on a group chat and everyone had a knock as well.
"We're probably going to ask for more security measures. I hope it's the first and last time it happens."
Another student living in Arbour House, Anna, 20, from Romania, said: "I feel really uncomfortable. She was quite close to my age.
"Police were on my floor banging on doors. It was scary."
The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation but there have so far been no arrests and inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
Speaking to reporters at Islington Police Station, Chief Inspector Adam Instone said: "Metropolitan Police today has launched a murder investigation following the tragic death of a young woman in Clerkenwell.
"Police officers were called to Arbour House in Sebastian Street at around 5.10am on Saturday morning.
"Despite the efforts of police officers and ambulance colleagues, a 19-year-old woman was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"We are working to ensure the woman's family have been informed of this tragic news and they will be supported by the Met in the unimaginably difficult days and months ahead.
"Arbour House is a student accommodation and I know there will be great sadness and deep concern among the local people and the student community.
"I share that sadness and concern and I can assure them that a thorough homicide investigation is under way, led by skilled and experienced detectives who will work tirelessly to identify and arrest whoever is responsible.
"Tackling violent crime is the Met's top priority.
"Police officers, including forensic specialists, remain at the scene. Local people will also see additional police in the area.
"If you have any concerns about safety in and around the Clerkenwell area, please speak with those officers."
Arbour House is run by Unite Students, which provides purpose-built student accommodation across the UK.
A City, University of London spokesman said: "As this is an ongoing police incident, we are unable to comment on their investigation.
"As a university, we will do everything we can to support our students and staff and we will continue to fully support the police with their investigation.
"We are working closely with Unite Students, who own and operate Arbour House."
A Unite Students spokesman added: "Our priority at this time is the safety and wellbeing of students at Arbour House."
Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact police on 020 8358 1010, call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD1252/19March.
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
