So, you’re getting ready to move to the UK for university. Look forward to great food, friendly people and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich history. Studying abroad has loads of benefits, but it requires some forward planning.
One of the biggest considerations is student accommodation. Will you live on the university campus? Or is private student accommodation more your thing?
Most importantly, what kind of budget are you working with? In this post, we’ll reveal how you can find cheap accommodation in the UK without sacrificing safety and quality. You’ll also get top tips for finding a home in your chosen city.
University of private student accommodation?
As an international student, you’ll probably want to be near the university campus and have access to nearby shops, bars and restaurants. The good news is UK student accommodation is diverse, and there are housing options that suit all budgets:
- Residence Halls: Most universities have purpose-built student accommodation, usually dorms. They’re offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and smaller campuses might have limited options.
- Shared Houses: If you’re looking for cheap student accommodation, renting a room in a house is one of the best options. Off-campus housing can offer more flexibility than student halls.
- Private Accommodation: Renting a private flat can help you adjust to student life while having your own space―but one-bedroom flats are often more expensive.
- Homestays: If you want to immerse yourself in UK culture and save money, staying with a host family can be a good idea. Although, sharing a home with a family can be daunting for some students.
Start searching early
Finding student housing early gives you plenty of time to get a great deal. Leaving it to the last minute means you’ll be battling other students for off-campus housing, and private landlords can increase the prices due to higher demand.
Planning in advance means finding accommodation that suits your needs and securing the property. Many student letting agencies also offer virtual tours, allowing you to view housing options without physically seeing them.
If you’re considering using the university’s accommodation, you’ll need to apply through the accommodation office early, as residence halls fill up quickly.
Choose a reputable letting agency
Searching for off-campus housing options through a letting agency is much easier than going through private landlords. Most letting agents have a portfolio of available student accommodations in your area, saving you money.
The benefits of working with a student letting agency include finding conveniently located accommodation, securing additional services, such as laundry facilities, and having peace of mind that maintenance issues will be resolved.
Finding student accommodation in your new city
The UK has an enviable selection of universities, and international students can choose the perfect place to study. Whether you’re heading to the ultra-academic Oxford University or studying in England’s capital, knowing how to find cheap student accommodation means you can look forward to the experience.
Let’s look at how to find the cheapest accommodation in the most popular locations for international students.
Oxford
Oxford is home to one of the world’s top universities, attracting international students for its superb education and laid-back setting. If you plan on studying at Oxford University, looking for housing options outside the city centre can save money.
Areas such as Cowley and Headington offer lower rental rates but are still close to the university. Headington has a commute time of under half an hour.
London
London is one of the most popular places to study, and the city has a range of universities available, including UCL and the London School of Economics. Finding international student accommodation in London can be challenging, with excess demand and high prices.
Knowing where to look can save you time and money, with Outer London boroughs such as Bromley, Croydon and Sutton offering cheaper accommodation.
Manchester
Manchester is known for its laid-back scene, epic nightlife and sports club. In recent years, the vibrant city has become a popular – and more affordable – alternative to London. Studying in Manchester means you can find suitable off-campus student accommodation without spending a fortune.
Student rooms are usually affordable, but a reputable letting agent can help you find a safe area to enjoy your student living experience.
Find Accommodation in Manchester
Leeds
Leeds is one of the most affordable major cities in the UK. With four university campuses and a multicultural vibe, it also offers a lower living cost for international students, with many off-campus housing options conveniently located for quick commutes.
The most popular places for international student accommodation in Leeds include Burley, Hyde Park, Headingley, Woodhouse and the city centre. Hyde Park is within walking distance of the main university campus.
Bath
Bath is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, renowned for its Georgian architecture and Roman remains. The university attracts international students for its superior education, laid-back lifestyle, cultural attractions, and employment support after graduation.
While prices can be high in certain locations, you can find suitable student accommodation in Twerton, Combe Down and Oldfield Park.
Cardiff
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff has a thriving student population and plenty of activities to enjoy. The city is known for its arts and culture scene, with plenty of places to eat and shopping centres galore for part-time work.
Living in Cardiff can be expensive, but areas like Cathays and Roth offer students easy access to the university and cheaper rental rates.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, with awe-inspiring architecture and stunning nature. Students can appreciate the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town or head to New Town to enjoy cocktails and modern facilities. While it’s easy to find student accommodation, the prices can be steep.
University students can access cheap student housing by choosing Haymarket and Bruntsfield, which are usually more affordable than living directly in the city centre.
Find Accommodation in Edinburgh
Find the best student accommodation for your budget
Studying at one of the UK’s renowned universities gives you the opportunity to embrace a new way of life and build a future. Letting agents have a range of properties available, including house shares, student apartments and private rooms.
Searching with WhichPad is the best way to find student accommodation that aligns with your needs and budget. Our website has affordable living options across the UK, so get started today and enjoy a stress-free property search.
