Student Accommodation Cheltenham

Over time, there has been an increase in the demand for student accommodation in Cheltenham. The reason is the growing student population of over 12,000, which makes the rental market very competitive. With occupancy rates often reaching 98%, most good properties book up quickly. To help students manage this competition, University Living acts as a simple yet reliable platform, making the booking process transparent and easy.

Students at the University of Gloucestershire and the Royal Agricultural University often find a wide range of options. Some of the popular student apartments in Cheltenham are Shaftesbury Hall and Upper Quay House. All of them offer world-class amenities, including on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and shared study spaces. In addition to this, student safety is our topmost priority, with features like 24/7 CCTV and secure access systems included. The weekly rent for student rooms in Cheltenham usually ranges between £117 and £147. By bringing these high-quality options together in one place, University Living makes it easier for both international and domestic students to find safe, comfortable, and convenient student housing in Cheltenham.

The architectural charm of Cheltenham is evident in how it combines historic designs with modern, smart features. So, when it comes to accommodations here, students can easily expect things like energy-efficient systems, biometric entry, and smart lighting. They are necessary for supporting the city’s move towards sustainable living. The student accommodation in UK is divided into two types: Student Housing (PBSAs) and Private Apartments.

Student Housing (PBSAs): They are especially made for the modern student academic lifestyle. An all-inclusive rental system provides peace of mind to international students. It is further divided into four types:

• Ensuite Rooms: As a top choice for those who are seeking student rooms in Cheltenham, these provide a private bedroom and a personal bathroom. While the rest of the areas are all shared with other flatmates. These are priced between £145 and £185 per week.

• Studios: They are premium self-contained units where you will be getting a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette. This makes it a perfect choice for those who love independence and peace. Their prices range from £195 to £245 per week.

• Non- Ensuites: Offering a private and well-lit bedroom, these feature shared bathroom, kitchen and living area. Thus, making it a budget-friendly option for student rentals in Cheltenham. They usually cost between £135 to £155 per week.

• Shared Apartments: Designed for those who have a close friend circle or love to socialize, it allows them to live together in a communal setting. Here, you will be sharing everything from a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Rents of these typically start at £140 per week.

Private Apartments: Functioning as traditional homes, these come with a bedroom, bathroom, living area and fully equipped kitchens. Often located in Cheltenham’s iconic Regency villas, they offer maximum independence and extra living space for those looking for student housing in Cheltenham. These are popular amongst students and working professionals.

Often called “Cradle of the Cotswolds,” Cheltenham is a beautifully planned city from 18th century. It became famous for being a royal spa destination after King George III visited here. Located near the Cotswold Escarpment, it is surrounded by Leckhampton Hill offering beautiful views. Additionally, the River Chelt flows through the town, adding to the charm. In today’s time, Cheltenham is an important economic centre with a GVA (Gross Value Added) of around £3.5 billion. Home to the National Cyber Security Centre, it is considered a hub for cyber intelligence. Especially popular for students studying Cyber Forensics, Computing, and International Business, the city invests around £45 million every year in cultural events.

Supported by top universities such as University of Gloucestershire and the Royal Agricultural University, Cheltenham has over 1,200 tech companies. This helps in creating good opportunities for internships and part-time jobs, which helps many students stay in the area after graduation. Safety is another major advantage, as Cheltenham has received the Purple Flag status for several years, showing that it has a safe and well-managed nightlife. Students can also enjoy local attractions like the Wilson Art Gallery and the Everyman Theatre, making the town a great place to live, study, and explore.

Having a stylish and relaxed vibe, Cheltenham is often called a festival hub. The city has got an elegant but friendly vibe, with various wide tree-lined streets and a strong arts scene. It also has over 500 acres of green space and a 94% satisfaction rate for quality of life. This makes it a calmer and more comfortable place compared to bigger cities. Following are some of the best areas to live in Cheltenham for students:

• Montpellier & The Suffolks: This area is one of the most stylish parts of Cheltenham. It is known for its boutiques and “Parisian-style” buildings, giving it a trendy and modern feel. Located in the Upper Town, it is just a 5-minute walk from the main shopping areas, making it ideal for those who are looking for student apartments in Cheltenham. Some of the most popular places here are The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie or The Coffee Dispensary. One of the unique features of this area is the Caryatids. These are terracotta statues inspired by Greek architecture.

• Pittville: A quieter and more peaceful area, known for its large Pittville Park and beautiful lakes. It is about 0.8 miles from the Town Centre, which means it takes around 10-15 minutes to walk. Students living here can enjoy places like Central Cross Cafe or The Heritage Cafe. The main highlight of this area is the Pittville Pump Room, a famous building designed in Greek Revival style, where many cultural events take place.

• Leckhampton: Having a strong community feel, it is closer to the natural countryside of the Cotswold hills. Located about 1.5 miles from the Town Centre, which is around a 20-minute walk, it is popular for students who want a quieter, residential environment. The main street and Bath Road, are full of cafes and local spots like Brew & Bake and The Exmouth Arms, making it a social hub for students. One of the biggest highlights of Leckhampton is Leckhampton Hill, which has a 70% biodiversity rating and features the famous Devil’s Chimney rock formation, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

The average monthly cost of living in Cheltenham ranges between £1,346 to £1,971 including rent. This is completely dependent on the type of accommodation you choose and your lifestyle. The city is 18% more affordable than London, but because the demand for student accommodation in Cheltenham is high, planning your budget is very important. One of the easiest ways to save money is by choosing a place that is all-inclusive, which can help you save around £294 per month on utilities and internet. Below is the estimated breakdown of cost of living in Cheltenham:

If you want to plan your budget in more detail, you can also use a University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator to see how your lifestyle will affect your total expenses.

The right type of student housing in Cheltenham is all about combining the town’s historic charm with modern and efficient facilities. These properties have a strong 98% resident satisfaction rate because of their easy living setup. Students living here also save money, with an average of £150 per year on transport costs. They are located in central areas close to universities and key places with prices ranging from £114- £147/week. Below are some of the top student accommodation in Cheltenham:

• Shaftesbury Hall

• Upper Quay House

• GenR8 Regency

As a very well-connected town, Cheltenham is easy to travel around. It has a 93% accessibility rating, which means students can easily move between campuses and different parts of the town. The transport system here supports over 4 million train passengers every year. And the “Star” bus network here connects student flats in Cheltenham with the town centre and nearby Cotswold areas. The town also has over 20 miles of cycling lanes, promoting eco-friendly travel for its student population. Following are the various modes of transportation that students use to travel in Cheltenham:

• Walking & Cycling: The city has a compact layout, so most places are within a 15-minute walk, especially between main academic areas. Many student apartments in Cheltenham also offer secure bike storage with CCTV, making cycling safe and convenient.

• Buses: The bus network is very important for students traveling between campuses like Park, Francis Close Hall, and Oxstalls. A single bus ticket costs around £2.00, but students can buy a unirider pass, which gives unlimited travel for about £1.20 per day (when bought for a term). This helps students save around 45% compared to regular fares.

• Trains: Cheltenham Spa station connects the town to cities like Bristol, Birmingham, and London. A return ticket to London can cost over £30, but students living in student rooms in Cheltenham can use a 16-25 Railcard to get 1/3 off on all train fares, making travel more affordable.

• Taxis & E-Scooters: For short trips or late-night travel, e-scooters are a popular and budget-friendly option, costing around a £1 unlock fee plus £0.15 per minute. Local taxis also offer student fares, usually costing between £6 and £10 for short distances.

Cheltenham has a strong tourism economy worth over £160 million every year. Hosting more than 35 major events annually like jazz, science, and the famous literature festival, this brings in global talent and keeps the city full of energy. The town is also very easy to explore, with a 95% walkability score. This means that most of the places can be easily reached within 20 minutes from the centre. Its location makes it perfect for travel, which is why student accommodation in Cheltenham is a great choice for students who want both city life and nature nearby. Below are some of the top tourist attractions in Cheltenham:

• The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum: This is a top cultural spot for students living in in here, who want inspiration or a quiet place to study. It has important collections from the Arts & Crafts Movement and fine art. Entry is usually free, although some special exhibitions may charge a small fee, making it very accessible for students in student apartments in Cheltenham.

• Pittville Pump Room & Park: This is one of the most famous landmarks in Cheltenham. Known for its Greek Revival architecture, it is located inside a large 100-acre park. Students living here often visit for relaxation, outdoor study, or walks around the lakes and aviaries. Entry to both the building and park is free, making it a great and budget-friendly place to spend time.

• The Everyman Theatre: Historic Victorian theatre, designed by Frank Matcham, it is a major part of Cheltenham’s nightlife and culture. It hosts everything from West End shows to comedy and modern plays, giving students in student accommodation in Cheltenham access to high-quality entertainment. Student discounts are often available, making it a popular social spot.

• Cheltenham Racecourse: As a world-famous venue, it is known for horse racing events like the Gold Cup and also hosting music festivals and career fairs. It is a great place for both entertainment and networking opportunities. Ticket prices vary, but student tickets usually start from £15-£20, making it accessible for those in student housing in Cheltenham.

• Sandford Parks Lido: This is a heated outdoor swimming pool from the 1930s, set in four acres of landscaped gardens. It is especially popular in summer for relaxation and fitness. Entry costs around £6.00 to £8.00, with discounts available for students, making it a fun and affordable option for those living in student accommodation.

Cheltenham has a strong academic environment where students contribute over £120 million every year to the local economy. One can easily benefit from small class sizes (around 15:1 student-to-staff ratio) and strong industry connections, which help achieve a 95% graduate employability rate. Living in student housing in Cheltenham puts you close to this active academic environment, supported by a £400 million university-driven economy and a network of 1,200 tech companies, offering great internship opportunities.

University of Gloucestershire: Founded in 2001 through a merger but with a history going back 192 years, this university has a TEF Silver rating for excellent student outcomes. It has three main campuses:

• Park Campus - focused on Media and Computing

• Francis Close Hall - a historic Gothic-style campus

• Oxstalls Campus - home to a £18 million Business School and a £5 million sports arena

Students studying here benefit from courses that has recently improved by 32 positions to rank #68th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, and it is ranked in the 601-650 band in QS Europe Rankings. Famous alumni include David Gandy and Olympic gold medalist Lizzy Yarnold.

Royal Agricultural University (RAU): Established in 1845, RAU is the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world and has a 90% student satisfaction rate due to its practical teaching style. It operates across three large research farms covering 1,200+ acres and is ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for Agriculture and Land Management. It also ranked in the top 200 globally for Zero Hunger (THE Impact Rankings). Alumni include Jonathan Dimbleby and Minette Batters, showing its strong influence in the UK’s £120 billion food and farming industry.

Gloucestershire College (Cheltenham Campus): This college plays an important role in technical education, featuring a £3 million Advanced Digital Academy and working with the West of England Institute of Technology. It supports over 14,000 students each year, focusing on courses like Computing, Engineering, and Cyber Security. It also offers degree-level apprenticeships linked with organisations like GCHQ, helping students move directly into jobs. This strong industry connection keeps student housing Cheltenham in high demand, especially for students entering the UK’s £10 billion cyber security sector. Top Universities in Cheltenham