Are you ready to experience the joys of student life? Having no parents telling you what to do and enjoying your own space makes student accommodation the perfect way to gain some independence. Sure, there’s the issue of who’ll do your laundry, but that’s what you go back home for.
The living environment you choose will define your experience as a student, so it’s important to think about where you’d like to live and the type of accommodation that suits your needs.
Make your search easier with these top tips for finding suitable accommodation in the UK.
University accommodation or private accommodation?
First, you’ll need to consider whether you’d prefer to live in university halls, purpose-built student accommodation, or rent a private home. Let’s take a look at each option in more detail:
- University Halls: Many first-year students choose to live in a university hall, which offers convenience and lets them make new friends. You can apply for housing through your university’s online student portal, but places go quickly.
- Purpose-built Student Accommodation: This form of accommodation often belongs to private companies, but it’s built for students. It comes with on-site facilities, including social areas and other extras, but it costs more than university accommodation.
- Private Accommodation: If you’d prefer more flexibility, opting for private student housing can be beneficial. Most students rent a room in a shared house, but a one-bedroom flat or studio apartment can provide more independence.
Set your budget
Whether you choose a private house, university campus, or private hall, calculating the monthly rent you can afford to pay is vital. Student loans can help with rent payments, but failing to keep up with your obligations could mean losing the property.
Remember to factor in other expenses, including:
- Food
- Travel
- Going out
- Textbooks
- Utility bills
- Mobile phone
- Clothing
- Monthly essentials
Shared housing might be more affordable than other types of accommodation, making it a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
Begin your search early
Many people start searching for student accommodation when they receive an acceptance letter. Leaving your search to the last minute might mean you fail to secure a high-quality student house.
If you want to live on campus, apply with the student accommodation office immediately and complete your paperwork. Taking a proactive approach means you can explore a variety of accommodation types and compare prices before making a decision.
Use a reputable letting agency
Estate agents can be valuable resources when you’re choosing student accommodation. They implement strict guidelines when working with private landlords, meaning all student houses will align with building codes.
International students can view available properties by taking virtual tours, and top-ranked student letting agents can simplify the search, from viewing accommodation to helping with your tenancy agreement.
Understand your responsibilities
Before signing a tenancy agreement, understand the monthly responsibilities and clauses. For example, letting agents have a right to increase the rental price, but they usually do this when the agreement is renewed.
You should also check for the following things:
- Upfront Costs: Most agencies require a deposit and the first month’s rent in advance. Budgeting for these costs can help you secure the property.
- Utilities: Opting for a student house usually means all bills are included. In some cases, you might need to pay extra for internet access.
- Restrictions: Some properties might have policies on overnight guests, pets and smoking. Breaching these terms could terminate your tenancy agreement.
- Damage: Living in a property means it will experience some wear and tear, but causing extensive damage means you’ll be responsible for repairs and replacements.
How to find suitable accommodation in your area
The UK has a range of universities to choose from, some of which are world-renowned educational institutions. Wherever you’ll be studying, it’s essential to consider whether you want to live close to campus or save money by commuting each day.
Next, we’ll look at the best places for students to live when attending the UK’s most popular universities.
London
Whether you’re studying at the London Metropolitan University, Imperial College or UCL, one thing’s for sure: England’s capital city offers a multicultural experience, plenty of history and an enviable selection of bars and restaurants. It’s also incredibly expensive.
Looking for student accommodation providers in London can feel like an uphill struggle, but choosing a shared house in the following areas gives you a traditional city experience without paying premium prices:
- Bermondsey: Traditional London scenery and heaven for foodies.
- Camden: Quirky, laid back and home to one of the world’s most famous markets.
- Docklands: Budget-friendly with plenty of student housing options.
- Bromley: Best if you’d prefer a quieter living environment.
Manchester
Manchester might not be London, but it’s got plenty to offer and is often thought of as the UK’s second city. With beautiful architecture, down-to-earth locals and a thriving sports scene, the city delivers on affordability, local amenities and shopping centres.
Better still, you won’t have to panic when it’s time to pay rent, as most areas in Manchester are cheaper than living down south. The best areas for students include:
- Manchester City Centre: Accessibility, but it comes at a higher price.
- Fallowfield: Close to the University of Manchester with nearby restaurants and bars.
- Rusholme: Affordable and home to the city’s curry mile.
- Hulme: Home to the MMU campus and ultra-popular with creatives.
Oxford
Oxford is a popular place for intellectuals, with its rich history and connections to famous authors. Students can look forward to a top-tier education, beautiful scenery and plenty of cultural events, including a vibrant arts scene and the Oxford Literary Festival.
Due to its popularity, Oxford can be expensive, but opting for shared student housing can save money. The surrounding areas are also usually cheaper. Here are some of the best places to live:
- Jericho: Full of student houses but has a quieter feel.
- City Centre: Oxford’s infamous city centre is more expensive, but you’re close to bars and restaurants.
- Headington: Home to plenty of large Victorian shared houses.
- Marston: Offers easy access points to the university but has a rural feel.
Glasgow
International students will feel right at home in Glasgow, which is crowned one of the world’s friendliest cities. With plenty of student areas and a thriving music scene, the city might not be as famous as Edinburgh, but it’s home to museums, bars and music venues.
Living in the city gives you the perfect combination of culture and affordability. When looking for accommodation options, the following locations are popular among students:
- Hillhead: One of Glasgow’s most expensive areas, but ideal for easy access to your campus.
- Finnieston: Home to an array of cafes, bars and independent shops.
- Anniesland: One of the most affordable places to live in Glasgow.
- City Centre: Highly accessible, but most properties have a higher rental price.
Ready to find your student home?
Finding the right accommodation for your needs means you can enjoy everything student life offers. Remember to plan before the academic year and think about where you’d like to live. Choose a letting agent with positive reviews and ask your new university for advice.
Whether you want to live next to campus or in the town centre, WhichPad is the go-to resource for students. Compare letting agents on our website and make finding accommodation an absolute breeze.
