How to Find Accommodation in UK for Indian Students in 2025?

Finding student accommodation in UK isn’t just about booking a room. It’s about where you’ll laugh over Maggi at midnight, call your parents after a rough day, and build your first real sense of “home” away from home. And if you’re coming from India in 2025? You’re not alone. But here’s the tricky part: the UK doesn’t exactly have a one-size-fits-all setup. You’ve got dorms, PBSAs, studio flats, and homestays.

So, what is right for you? And more importantly, how do you book something legit while you’re still chilling at home in India, trying to finish your visa paperwork? This guide will break it all down for you. Let’s get into it.

What Are the Different Types of Student Accommodation in UK for Indian Students?

So, here’s the thing, student housing in the UK isn’t easy. You’re not just choosing between “hostel” or “flat.” There’s a whole spectrum of accommodation styles. And what you go for really depends on your comfort zone, budget, and how much space (and freedom) you need. Let’s break down the main types of housing Indian students usually go for in the UK:

1. University Halls (On-Campus Dorms): This is the go-to choice for many first-year students. Especially if you’re flying alone and want a stress-free start. These are directly managed by the university and are usually located either on-campus or within a 15-minute walk. Following are the key details of university halls (on-campus dorms):

• Room types: Shared rooms, en-suite, or private studio-style in some cases
• What’s included: Furniture, utilities, Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and sometimes meal plans
• Average cost: £120–£200/week depending on the uni and city
• In cities like Bristol or Cardiff, university halls are affordable and in-demand.
• But in London? You’ll want to apply months in advance or they vanish fast.

2. PBSA: This one’s the rising star, especially for international students. PBSAs are modern, well-equipped buildings built specifically for students and managed by private providers (not the university). You’ll usually find:

• All-inclusive rent (no stressing about bills)
• On-site laundry, 24/7 security, study lounges, gyms, and yes, sometimes even rooftop gardens or mini cinemas.
• Fully furnished rooms, often with private bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi
• Average rent: £150–£350/week depending on location and room type
• According to recent reports, over 300,000 students in the UK live in PBSAs, and demand keeps growing.
• Cities like Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Sheffield are filled with PBSA options at decent rates.

3. Shared Flats or Student Houses (HMOs): If you’re heading into your second or third year, HMOs are a great way to live. You rent a room in a house with 3–6 other students. There are shared kitchens, bathrooms, bills, and fridge space. Following are the key details of shared flats or student houses (HMOs):

• There are rent splits as well. It means you can often pay £90–£140/week depending on city and house quality.
• Cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Newcastle are known for having huge HMO student areas. They’re often close to campus or on good bus routes.
• Downside of this? You have to manage your bills. And cleanliness can become a group project no one asked for.

4. Homestays with Local Families: Still underrated, but honestly such a gem if you’re new to the UK. With a homestay, you live in a local household and get a furnished room. Plus, usually 2–3 home-cooked meals a day. It is best for first-years, language students, or anyone wanting a quieter setup.  Following are the key details of homestays with local families: 

• Average cost: £130–£200/week, meals included.
• Homestays are most common in cities like Oxford, Cambridge, and parts of Greater London, where localsrent rooms to students through uni-approved networks.
• It’s culturally immersive, comforting, and sometimes feels like a home away from home.
• But yeah, you might have a curfew, and there’s less flexibility than living solo.

5. Private Studios and One-Bed Apartments: If budget isn’t your top concern and you like your own space, studios are the way to go. These are self-contained units with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. Following are the key details of private studios and one-bed apartments:

• Rent range: £200–£500/week depending on city, amenities, and lease length
• Perfect for: Master’s students, PhD scholars, couples (some allow dual occupancy)
• Studios are big in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, especially near central uni zones. They’re quiet, private, and great for focused study.

How Much Does Student Housing Cost in the UK for Indian Students?

Student rent in the UK is no joke. If you don’t budget right, your monthly allowance could disappear faster. That said, with a little planning and some city-specific know-how, you can absolutely manage it without living off toast and tea.

So… how much should you actually be setting aside? Here’s a breakdown based on 2024–25 averages, factoring in the most common UK accommodation types of Indian students opt for:

Monthly total costs can range anywhere from £600 to £1,500, depending on city, room type, and how fancy you go.

Which UK Cities Are Most Popular Among Indian Students?

Picking the right university is one thing. But to choose the right city? That’s a whole different vibe. Let’s face it, you won’t just be studying there. You’ll be living, cooking, commuting, making friends, and figuring out life. So yeah, the city matters. A lot.

According to UK government visa data, India was the top non-EU country sending students to the UK in 2023–24, with over 140,000 study visas issued. And while unis are scattered across the country, most Indian students tend to go to a few popular hubs. Let’s look at the hotspots where desi students are setting up base:

London: This place needs no introduction. It’s home to some of the UK’s highest-ranked universities like UCL, Imperial College London, LSE, King’s College, and more. But it’s not just about rankings. Following are the key statistics for London: 

• Indian population: Estimated 542,000+ in Greater London
• Number of universities: 40+ higher ed institutions
• Job market: Massive. Finance, tech, media, medicine
• Rent range: £800–£1,800/month, depending on zone and room type

Manchester: Manchester has quietly become one of the most popular student cities in the UK. Especially for international students. Following are the key statistics for Manchester:

• Top uni: University of Manchester (a member of the Russell Group) 
• Student population: Over 100,000 across Greater Manchester 
• Indian student-friendly areas: Rusholme, Fallowfield, Withington 
• Average rent: £500–£800/month for shared flats 
• Manchester was ranked the #1 student city in the UK for affordability in 2023 by QS Best Student Cities. 

Birmingham: The UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is ideal for students who want urban life minus London prices. The city is super well connected, with direct trains to London in just over an hour. Bonus? You’ll also find strong student communities and a lot of diversity. Following are the key statistics for Birmingham: 

• Major unis: University of Birmingham, Aston University, BCU
• Indian student population: Around 45,000
• Student housing cost: £450–£700/month for shared spaces
• Indian grocery stores: Lots, especially in Sparkhill and Handsworth

Leeds & Sheffield: These two Yorkshire cities have quietly become student magnets. Especially for those looking for safe, social, and affordable living. Both cities are known for their safety and nightlife, without being chaotic. Following are the key statistics for Leeds & Sheffield:

• Top Universities in Leeds: University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett
• Top Universities in Sheffield: University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam
• Average rent: £450–£700/month
• Student perks: Lower cost of living, green spaces, strong student support services

Glasgow & Edinburgh: If you don’t mind the cold and love stunning views, these cities offer great education in one place. These cities are more relaxed than London but still packed with opportunities. Edinburgh especially ranks high for postgraduate students, thanks to its global research reputation. Following are the key details for Glasgow & Edinburgh:

• Top Universities in Glasgow: University of Glasgow, Strathclyde
• Top Universities in Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt
• Indian community: Over 30,000 combined
• Rent: £400–£800/month depending on location and room style

How Can You Book Verified Student Accommodation from India in UK?

Booking accommodation in a country you haven’t even landed in yet? Yeah, it sounds stressful. But here’s the good news. Thousands of Indian students do it every single year, and it’s totally manageable if you play it smart. With rising numbers of Indian students heading to the UK, it has become a highly efficient process. But still, scams are out there. Overcrowded rentals. Fake listings. You name it. So, let’s talk about how to book a place that’s legit, safe, and student-friendly:

1. Use Trusted Student Housing Platforms (Like University Living): This is by far the safest and easiest option, especially if this is your first time leaving India for studies. Platforms like University Living have done the hard work for you. They have partnered with verified housing providers and pre-listing student-safe properties near major UK universities.

2. Reach Out to Your University’s Accommodation Office: Most UK universities have a dedicated international housing team or accommodation portal that helps foreign students like you settle in smoothly. Some unis even block a limited number of rooms for international students, especially if you apply by a certain deadline (usually April–June for the September intake).

3. Ask Indian Student Societies or Seniors: This one’s underrated but super useful. ISA (Indian Student Associations) are active at almost every major UK university, and they’re always welcoming to incoming students. You’ll be surprised how many students say, “I found my flatmate through a WhatsApp group shared by a senior at uni.”

4. Avoid Sketchy Listings and Unknown Contacts: This one’s important. Don’t get tricked by random listings online. Facebook marketplace ads, Telegram groups, and “student accommodation agents” on Instagram might look appealing, but many turn out to be scams.

Is It Better for Indian Students to Stay in On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing in UK?

Let’s be real. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The “better” option depends on your budget, personality, and where you are on your academic journey. But whether you are a team “hall life” or prefer more freedom, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons before committing.

In the UK, international students especially from India, often start off in university-managed halls in Year 1, then move into off-campus housing like PBSAs or shared flats from Year 2 onwards. And it makes sense. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help make your call easier:

Conclusion

By now, you’ve probably realized. Finding the right accommodation in the UK isn’t just about where you’ll sleep. It’s about your first big move abroad. Your first chai in the new kitchen. Your late-night study grinds. Your first real bit of independence.

So, whether you kick things off in a university dorm or settle into a PBSA with friends, what matters is that your new place actually feels like yours. Booking early, through trusted platforms like University Living, saves you a lot of stress and a few hundred pounds. So, take your time, compare what matters to you, and choose a place that doesn’t just meet the checklist, but actually fits your student journey.

Frequently Asked Questions