How to Find the Best Student Accommodation in UK As An International Student

If you are relocating to the UK to study as an international student, finding a suitable accomodation will be an important item in your bucket list.

Luckily, most UK universities offer on-campus accommodation and also give reliable guides on how to find suitable off Campus accommodation.

If you prefer living outside the university accommodation, this simple guide will help you make a decision on the most suitable and pocket friendly student’s accommodation that suit your needs.

We will start by analyzing the most popular websites and rental portals for students accommodation among international students and then give tips and advice on how to make the correct decisions.

What are the best websites to find student accommodation in the UK?

Instead of relying on housing agents to secure an accomodation for you, you can use the following websites to search and pay for accommodation.

This is even more exciting if you are coming from outside the UK as you care secure a living space even before arriving.

Here are the most popular options for securing accommodation as an international student in UK.

1. Rightmove

Rightmove is often the first choice for students exploring private or off-campus rentals. The website is easy to use, user friendly and has a massive database of rental option.

What Makes Rightmove Stand Out?

• Custom Filter: With Rightmove website, you can filter thousands of property listings instantly based on several filter including locations, number of rooms, price range, etc. This give you the opportunity to find what meets your unique requirements.
• Location Specific: You can also explore lesser-known areas near your university that offer lower rents without compromising on accessibility using the website radius filter.
• Seasonal Trends: Rightmove also offer data that shows rental demand peaks. With this feature, you can search for accommodation during quieter months to secure better deals.

2. SpareRoom

Unlike the other options on this list, spareRoom allow you to content with potential roommates. If you are looking to find a roommate and pay for an accommodation together, this is the best option.

But while SpareRoom is well-known for connecting roommates, its value goes deeper for students who want to share housing affordably. Its university search feature allow you to search for flatshares with students from that university you are in, plus other student accommodation nearby.

Key Features of SpareRoom:

• Buddy-Up Options:  This option allow you to join others who are also looking for housemates to rent a property together.
• Advertise Yourself: You can also post your own ad specifying your budget, preferences, and timeline to attract potential landlords or flatmates.
• Verified Listings: Prioritize “early bird” ads for faster responses from property owners.

Pro Tip: SpareRoom’s community often includes alumni and young professionals, giving you a chance to network and build connections while you save on rent.

3. UniHomes

Just like other options on this list,  UniHomes has a large database of student accommodation and yiu can instantly watch for accommodation by City or University name.

What is more?

UniHomes simplifies student living by bundling rent and utilities into one monthly payment, which is invaluable for budgeting.

Key features of UniHomes:

• Area Guides: Using their city guides, you can identify neighborhoods that are both affordable and convenient for students.
• No Surprises: UniHomes also ensures price transparency by including all bills upfront which is perfect for international students unfamiliar with UK utility providers.
• Shared Housing Options: Just like spareRoom, you can find group-ready homes to live with your friends or future flatmates on UniHomes.

Pro Tip: Even with all-inclusive options, check your contract for fair usage clauses to avoid extra charges on utilities.

4. Amberstudent

Unlike other rental options on this list, Amberstudent is designed to caters specifically to international students, simplifying the process of finding housing even before you arrive in the UK.

Why It’s Ideal for International Students:

• Guaranteed Booking: With Amberstudent, you can secure your accommodation months in advance, with a refund policy if you have visa-related issues.
• Assistance Beyond Housing: Aside from housing, Amberstudent provides relocation advice, airport pickups, and even grocery store recommendations for students arriving new to the UK.
• Flexible Payment Plans: You can also pay in installments to manage your finances better.

Pro Tip: Use Amberstudent to compare prices across cities and decide whether living in smaller university towns might save you significant costs.

5. Homes for Students

If you are looking for a platform that takes away the entire burden of accomodation rental, smooth free payment, plus other activities, then Home for Students Limited is one of the best option.

Aside from housing, the platform also organised social events for international students which is an awesome opportunity for socialising.

As an extra, they offer free WiFi in all of their accommodation. Cool, right?

Why is Home For Students a Great choice?:

• Unlimited choice: Home for Students is the largest student accommodation platform in the UK with sites in almost every institutions..
• Social Perks: They organise social events like movie nights, cooking classes, and networking sessions designed for student interaction.
• Accessibility Options: HfS Properties include wheelchair-accessible rooms and quiet zones for students with specific needs.

Pro Tip: Choose properties with on-site management to handle maintenance requests quickly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

How to Choose the Best Accommodation Platform for You

Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right rental platform for your needs:

1. Budget vs. Convenience: Platforms like UniHomes simplify budgeting, while Rightmove offers cost flexibility but requires more legwork.
2. International Support: Amberstudent is specifically designed for students coming from abroad, offering 24/7 assistance.
3. Social Life: If you cherish a vibrant community, then options like Homes for Students or SpareRoom which promote social interactions are the best platform to meet your needs.

Our Tips for Securing Accommodation Quickly

• Leverage Technology: Use virtual tours and video calls with housing agents to save time, especially since you are coming from a different country.
• Negotiate Wisely: Even on established platforms, you can sometimes negotiate rent prices or request added perks, like faster Wi-Fi. Most of these platforms offer discounts, asked for it.
• Act Fast on Hot Properties: Set up alerts to ensure you’re among the first to apply for newly listed accommodations and try to start finding accommodation as soon as you get your admission letter.

Common Questions About UK Student Housing

Q: What’s the average rent for student housing in the UK?
A: Rent varies widely depending on the city. Expect to pay £600–£800 per month in smaller towns, while London and other top cities averages around £1,200.

Q: Can I book accommodation without visiting in person?
A: Yes, platforms like Amberstudent and UniHomes offer virtual tours and secure booking processes for remote applicants.

Q: How can I avoid housing scams?
A: Always use verified platforms, request signed contracts, and never transfer money without confirming property legitimacy.

Start Your Search Today

Well, we have already covered a lot in this article but sincerely, most of the work is left for you as a student.

Finding student accommodation in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the tips we shared in this article, you can cut across the chase and find an accomodation that is both pocket friendly and suitable for your needs.

However, the most important thing is to start your search early. The UK receive thousands of visitors and international students yearly and a delay could mean missing out on the best housing deals.