Student Accommodation in United Kingdom

UK is the top study destination where tradition meets innovation. The British Isles is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities. UK universities are known for their academic excellence and innovative teaching approaches to building future leaders. Student accommodation in the UK includes multiple on-site and off-site housing options for students and young professionals as well. The UK sets the stage for personal and professional growth for students drawn towards cutting-edge research, globally recognized degrees, and vibrant cultural experience.

The United Kingdom is home to over 165 universities and colleges. Out of these, around 90 universities feature in the QS and other international and national ranking lists.  

Work and Study: The education system in UK offers a flexible academic lifestyle for domestic and international students. Students in the UK are allowed to study and work simultaneously. 

Unique Academic Courses: UK universities are known for their unique academic courses and innovative teaching approach. UK universities are popular for courses in Management, Business, Engineering, Environment, Finance, Medicine, Science, etc. 

Rich Cultural Experience: UK is known for its diverse and vibrant cultural scenes, blending historic landmarks with modern attractions, global festivals, local traditions, and a multicultural student community that enriches educational journey and personal growth. 

Shorter Degrees: Most UK universities offer 3-year UG programs and 1-to-1.5-year PG programs.  

Enhanced Career Prospects: Graduating from a UK university enhances career prospects as these degrees are globally accepted by government and private organizations. 

Post-Study Work Visa: International students can stay and work in the UK for up to 36 months after completing their graduation.

Living and studying in the UK is a unique experience for every student. The universities and cities feature exclusive student housing options to support their academic journey. On one side, there are on-site university halls offered by the universities, and on the other, there are private student housing and private apartments, offering a more independent lifestyle to every student.  

Here are the most-common student housing options in the UK:

University Halls of Residence (on-campus)

Almost every UK university provides official halls of residence to its students. These residential halls can be booked through the university’s website. However, one potential drawback is the limited availability of rooms. 

Private Halls of Residence (PBSAs)

Purposely Build Student Accommodations, or PBSAs, are residential housing options for students built by private entities. PBSAs in the UK are the ideal choice for students who wish to experience a mix of academic and city life. These furnished properties come in multiple housing options, such as ensuites, suite apartments, etc.  

Private Shared Apartments

Private shared apartments in the UK are one of the most common housing options among domestic and international students. Shared apartments are the right choice for students looking for flexible and affordable housing options. These properties offer sharing options like kitchen and living space with other tenants. 

Homestay Accommodation

Students in the UK can live with a local family, allowing for an exchange of cultural values. Many families offer homestay options for university students and young professionals. Students typically have a private room and share meals with the family. Homestays are an excellent choice for those looking to improve their language skills and adapt to British lifestyle. 

Temporary/ Vacation Rentals

Students, travelers, or those looking for a short-term housing option can consider staying in a temporary/ vacation rental. These rentals are just like student apartments and offer furnishing options too. These can be easily booked from local agencies or their official social media handles.

Every UK city has popular and friendly neighborhoods, offering a comfy and safe environment. Here are the popular student accommodation cities in the UK:

London

• Shoreditch
• Camden
• Stratford
• Kings Cross
• Bloomsbury

Birmingham

• Selly Oak
• Harborne
• Edgbaston
• Moseley
• Digbeth

Manchester

• Fallowfield
• Rusholme 
• Withington
• Victoria Park
• Didsbury

Liverpool

• Baltic Triangle
• Liverpool City Center
• Kensington
• Aigburth
• Smithdown Road

Edinburgh

• Newington
• Marchmont
• Bruntsfield
• Leith
• Haymarket

Dublin 

• Dominick Place
• Drumcondra
• Smithfield
• The Liberties
• Rathmines

Glasgow

• West End (Hillend and Partrick)
• Dennistoun
• Finnieston
• Merchant City
• Shawlands

Cardiff

• Cardiff City Center
• Canton
• Adamstown
• Roath
• Cathays

Nottingham

• The Arboretum
• Lenton
• West Bridgford
• Sneinton
• Hucknall

Leeds

• Hyde Park
• Headingley
• Leeds City Center
• Woodhouse
• Burley

The cost of living in the UK varies for each student. Depending on a student’s lifestyle and consumption, the cost of living in the UK can range between £859 to £1,499/ month excluding the tuition fee. Factors like location, accommodation type, facilities included, lifestyle choices, etc. cause this difference in the cost of living. The cost of living in UK cities like London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh is comparatively higher than others. Here’s a breakdown of the entire cost of living in UK.

• On-Campus Accommodation: £450 to £650
• Off-campus Accommodation: £500 to £750
• Food and Groceries: £120
• Mobile and Internet: £75
• Utilities: £150
• Transportation: £100
• Clothing, Leisure, and Entertainment: £200
• Miscellaneous: £150

The cost of living in the UK varies based on multiple factors. These can include the lifestyle adopted by a student, type of property, its location, prices of goods and services, taxes, inflation rate, etc. Let's consider some of the major factors affecting the cost of living in the UK.

Accommodation Cost: the rent at each property type varies based on the facilities, services, and their location. Living in accommodation near the city center will be expensive as compared to living outside the city campus. 

Consumption of Resources: How many resources a student requires to sustain is one of the major factors affecting the cost of living. This can include food and grocery items to essential utilities, like electricity, water, internet, etc. 

Transportation/ Travel Cost: Regular travel expenses can accumulate to huge sums at the end of the month. Transportation cost includes monthly bus pass, daily travel tickets, fuel price, etc.  

Inflation and Economic Conditions: Yes, inflation and economic conditions in a country/ city too affect the cost of living for international students. Annual inflation significantly raises the cost of grocery items and essential utilities. Then there is always the threat to economic conditions due to natural or man-made calamities, war, currency fluctuations, disruption in global supply chain issues, etc.