The Ultimate Guide to Student Accommodation in the UK’s Top Cities

Knock! Knock! A great opportunity to be the chosen one is knocking on your door. Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it does come with a cost. Once you get that acceptance letter, the time is here to start your search for student accommodation. There are plenty of aspects you have to cover before you arrive at the dream of every student. 

Studying in the UK offers a great opportunity to experience cultural diversity, world-class academics and a lively lifestyle. To kickstart your journey, finding the right place to live is necessary. Whether you are moving to Manchester or Edinburgh, our blog provides an ultimate guide to student housing in the UK. Let’s explore and help you navigate the costs, options, tips and tricks to find a home away from home. 

Types of Student Accommodation in the UK

Every city in the UK speaks for its beauty. Be it London, Manchester or Glasgow, you can expect to find a great variety. One of the best parts about living in the UK is that you get plenty of options. Based on your lifestyle, you can identify what you need within your budget. Well, before you move to a new city, you must be aware of the types of student housing. 

• University Managed Student Halls of Residence: Often preferred by first year students, every university has student dorms. These student rooms offer modern amenities, close location and all-inclusive rent. You can enjoy easy access to your lectures, libraries and other university facilities. Despite limited space and availability, you can choose on-campus housing for its convenience. 
• Private Student Halls: The next type is purpose-built student accommodation. Private companies like Uninist, etc provide modern and fully-furnished rooms. Alongside this, you can find added perks like gyms, communal spaces, study areas and more. 
• Shared Houses and Flats: Many second and third year students prefer living in off-campus housing. These privately rented student apartments offer flexibility and affordability. You can explore different types of rooms with great independence and modern utilities. 
• Homestays: For a more immersive experience, students also prefer to explore cultural integration and diversity. You can also enjoy a supportive living environment.  

Cost of Living in the UK

Different cities have different costs of living in the UK. Let’s break down cost of living of different cities in the UK:

London

As one of the top cities, London offers an incredible lifestyle along with an inclusive student community. Student accommodation in London can be expensive compared to other cities. The average cost of living in London ranges from £800 to £1,200. Although, shared flats vary from £600 to £1,000. 

Manchester 

Famous for vibrant social scenes and amazing education, Manchester is a city where you can thrive. The student accommodation in Manchester has spread across the city while offering a student-friendly vibe. If you are moving to Manchester, you can expect to spend £500 to £700 per month for on-campus student rooms. In addition, the cost of shared houses varies from £350 to £500. 

Edinburgh 

The next on our list is Edinburgh. This city offers a blend of historic charm and a modern lifestyle. You can find all kinds of student housing in Edinburgh. Marchmont and Newington are the top choices among students. As for the costs, the average cost ranges from £600 to £900 for a month. 

Birmingham

As the second largest city in the UK, you can expect to find all kinds of student accommodation in Birmingham. The famous and student-friendly neighborhoods include Selly Oak, Harborne, etc. If you live in student halls, the cost varies from £450 to £650. The shared spaces often cost from £350 to £550. 

Key Considerations Before Choosing Student Accommodation

There are several factors to consider before choosing your home in the UK. Some of the key considerations include:

• Budget: One of the top considerations is budget. Set your budget which includes rent, bills, food expenses, etc. You can use different applications to set your monthly budget and explore options accordingly. 
• Proximity to Campus: Living close to your colleges can save time, money and effort. You can easily commute and travel. 
• Safety: Finding safe and secure student housing is significant when you make your decision. So, research the location’s safety and check the property regarding CCTV, on-site security and more. 
• Lease Agreement: The UK offers both long-term and short-term student accommodation. So, check and read your lease agreements carefully and other aspects. If you don’t like rigid leases, you can also explore flexible student accommodation in the UK. 

Tips for Finding the Right Place to Live

Before you make the choice, here are some tips to follow:

• Start early as many accommodations fill up quickly. Always try to start at least three months before. 
• Most UK universities have housing offices through which you can get help. They can provide you with a list of approved and secured landlords. 
• Join student forums to connect with students or potential roommates to know the ground reality. 
• Check all the inclusions like internet, Wi-Fi, maintenance and more.
• Try to inspect the property beforehand if possible. If you are already in the UK, you can visit the property or enroll yourself for virtual tours. 

Securing the right place to live is a crucial decision for every student, especially for international students. Whether you choose on-campus or off-campus student accommodation, consider every aspect to make an informed decision. Happy hunting!

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