How to Find Accommodation in the UK for International Students: A Step-by-Step Guide
What types of student accommodation are available in the UK?
The type of accommodation you choose will largely depend on your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. For instance, if you prefer living with others or want your meals catered, these factors will guide your choice.
Broadly speaking, there are four main types of student accommodation in the UK. These are on-campus student accommodation, purpose-built student accommodation, private rentals and homestay. Let’s take you through these options in detail.
On-campus accommodation, also referred to as halls of residence, or, simply, ‘student halls’, are large blocks of flats housing hundreds of students. It’s common in student halls to have an individual, furnished room, in an apartment with a shared bathroom and kitchen. However, you could have an en-suite room, or have a shared bedroom with a roommate. This is a popular accommodation type for first-year students, as it’s easy to meet new people and you’ll be located close to your campus. Accommodation in student halls is typically booked for one academic year.
Student halls can be a very convenient accommodation type. All the essential facilities, like a laundry room, are typically available on-site and options for catered meals may be provided if you prefer not to cook. Maintenance issues are also usually handled for you, and utility bills are commonly included in the overall cost. However, this makes student halls quite expensive. Plus, you will not get as much independence, as you will be sharing facilities, and you won’t get a choice of who you live with.
Reach out to your college or university to see what student halls they offer international students.
A similar accommodation type is purpose-built student accommodation, but these halls of residence are privately owned. So, you will find all of the same benefits of student halls, but without the link to a college or university. Purpose-built student accommodation buildings are known for having great facilities, so you may be able to access in-house gyms, games rooms, cinemas and dedicated study rooms. You’ll have a lot of flexibility in choosing the type of room you want, and the dates you want to rent it for.
UCAS offers an accommodation search tool that shows privately owned purpose-built student accommodation in the area of your college or university.
Another accommodation type is private rentals. This means you will be privately renting a house in the community, which is a great way to immerse yourself into your new location and meet locals. Private rentals are a popular option with students from second year and onwards, as you will have a better idea of where you want to live, have an opportunity to view houses in person, and will likely have a group of friends in the same situation as you, all looking to move out of student halls.
Renting a private residence is more affordable than student halls and purpose-built student accommodation, particularly if you’re able to share the cost with a few housemates, but you will need to factor in the cost of bills.
Private rentals will also give you a true taste of independence, and you will have more freedom to decorate your living space as you wish. With this independence, however, you will need to manage your budget more closely, and be comfortable getting in touch with your landlord or letting agent if maintenance is required on the house. It’s important you understand your rights as a tenant in the UK - the UK government has a handy ‘How to rent as a student’ guide on their website which can help.
Finally, there is homestay accommodation. This is where you live with a UK family in their home. It’s a great way to experience UK culture first-hand, and live life as a local. However, homestay is usually a short-term accommodation option, and the residence you live in may be some distance from your campus. Your university or college may be able to arrange this for you, so be sure to get in touch with them to seek their support.
What should international students consider when choosing accommodation in the UK?
Room type - do you want to share your room, or would you prefer something private?
Budget - how much can you afford, or are you willing to pay, for accommodation?
Location - how close is your campus? Can you travel around easily?
What conveniences do you want?
What is the accommodation like? Make sure to do a tour - either in-person or virtually - to see what it looks like.
Furnished or unfurnished? If the accommodation is unfurnished, you will need to budget for furniture and homewares.
