Student Accommodation in the UK: The Best Tips for a Comfortable Stay

The United Kingdom is one of the best places for international students to get a world-class education. But studying abroad and living as a student can be quite challenging for some.

Given the variety of choices, it may be challenging to select the best one in the long term while taking your budget into account. So, to help take the stress out of managing your budget between rent, groceries, internet and other expenses, we’ve prepared a guide for prospective students.

1. On-Campus Housing

When it comes to student accommodations, the first and most obvious option is on-campus dormitories. For students who are completely new to the UK, this might be the best option to help them get used to living here. Aside from dorms, students can opt for shared apartments or studio flats.

When choosing between these options, you should consider your budget and preferences. You may want to live a comfortable and stylish life, but as a student, you need to manage all of your expenses wisely.

2. Private Rentals

While on-campus sites are comfortable and convenient, students typically sacrifice their independence and freedom by sharing a room or living in a communal building. So, a much better option for some is getting a private rental.

This can be a house or a flat that can be shared with someone else if desired to reduce rent costs. If your budget allows for it, you could also get a studio apartment. It will be smaller but well-equipped with anything you might need, such as a full kitchen, furniture and even an ethanol fireplace to live comfortably.

3. Homestays and Host Families

You can also find different families willing to host international students. You’ll likely have to pay rent for living there, but it’s going to be substantially lower than getting your own place.

Besides this, you also get to immerse yourself in British culture and brush up your English language skills. An added benefit of this option is that you get to be a part of a new family while you’re away from home.

Costs of Student Accommodation

As a student, your concerns generally include more than just where you sleep at night. You need to think about food and transportation costs as well. So be sure to factor in all of your other expenses when thinking about accommodation.

On-campus housing may range from £80 to £200 per week, while private rentals could start from £100 per week for shared accommodation and go up to £300 or more for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in city centres.

Tips for Finding Comfortable Accommodation

So, how do you find the perfect balance of affordability and comfort? Here are some tips to help ensure the best experience:

1. Rents tend to go up right around admission season. So, if you’re looking to get a place, make sure you start your search early. If needed, put a down payment on the flat to get a better price.
2. As you’re a student, you will be frequenting the university a lot. That’s why the place that you choose should be located near your campus. If it’s far away, make sure there’s some kind of transportation that can make the commute to classes easier.
3. Plan out your budget in detail. Include your tuition, rent, utilities, groceries and medical expenses. Don’t forget to account for any down payments that you need to pay for your accommodation as well.
4. Check what amenities you’re getting with the place. Some, such as those built by Cassidy Group LTD, come with everything the student needs to live comfortably, but others do not. You can save money if the place is well-furbished with basic furniture and internet.
5. To make sure you’re not the victim of any unexpected circumstance, be sure to read the tenancy agreement. It will contain all of the details regarding your accommodation situation, so pay attention to that.

Wrapping Up

You may live stylishly and comfortably even as a student if you can efficiently manage your finances when you first start out. If you’re working part-time somewhere, you can also save up some money, which will help you improve your standard of living.