Your Complete Guide To Accommodation Costs In The UK 

When it comes to preparing for your study abroad adventure in the UK, it pays to get prepared early, especially when it comes to settling your accommodation!

While it can definitely feel overwhelming if this is your first time living away from home, choosing the right lodging isn’t that confusing once you know the options and lifestyle you desire.

You’d want to quickly collate key information including your estimated monthly budget, your university location, your ideal choice of living locale and the kind of environment you desire.

In this article, we will go through the 4 most common types of accommodations you can expect to find in the UK. You’ll understand the pros and the cons and more importantly, how much it will likely cost.

This will help you better define the costs and if you need to work part-time while studying to fund your lifestyle.

4 Types Of Accommodation In The UK & How Much They Cost

1. University Halls Of Residence

If you are a first-year student, you’re in luck! Many universities across the UK all offer halls of residence. Often, these halls are within the campus itself, allowing you to get into the middle of student life immediately!

You’ll gain access to a whole range of amenities including a common area, living rooms, study rooms, recreational rooms as well as swimming pools in certain residences!

Plus, studying on campus allows you to live with enhanced safety, build strong friendships with fellow students and network as you can easily participate in group activities. Your meals will also be provided, allowing you to concentrate on your studies.

In addition, if you are a first-year student, you’ll get guaranteed accommodation here! The University of Leads, for example, has a wide range of residences that you can choose from. A studio or an en suite will cost anywhere from £180 to £220 a week for a total of over £8,000 per semester.

While the price might seem rather high, do remember you are paying for the convenience, food and campus lifestyle.

2. Private Student Halls

While private student halls are specifically designed for international students, they are more mixed in nature and not just restricted to a particular university.

You will find that they can often accommodate students from several different institutions, allowing you to gain a unique glimpse into how life is outside of your university.

This can be important if you would like to build a network as broad as possible, especially if you’d like to continue pursuing a career in the UK.

However, because the students aren’t necessarily from your own university, you have no say over who you will live with and they can be rowdy as well. But just like halls of residence, these accommodations are optimized and designed specifically for students and spread across various locations - catering included!

The University of London, for example, operates various intercollegiate halls across London for the student community.

Pricing-wise, they can range as low as £200 a week to over £350 depending on your needs, location

3. Private Apartments

Sometimes you’d want your own privacy or you prefer to live in a specific location in the city. If that sounds like you, then a private apartment is one of the better options for your accommodation.

However, private apartments, especially in the city, are notoriously expensive and you’ll also have to negotiate the rental lease agreements with your landlord.

Price-wise, you can expect to pay anywhere from £280 to over £400 per week, depending on the location.

It is important that you also ensure your amenities are included in your bills such as electricity, water and most importantly, your WiFi of course!

You can search for and compare private accommodations here.

4. Homestay

Looking for an unforgettable experience that lets you experience the comforts of home while studying? Then go for a homestay!

You’ll be partnered with host families approved by universities so that you can learn while experiencing the warmth of family in a safe environment.

Because you are living with a family, you’ll also get meals and laundry provided.

But the real experience comes with interacting with the family day to day, especially if you want to practice your English skills with real-life Brits!

Prices for the homestay normally start from £50 onwards, however, the price is well worth the safety, familiarity and companionship you’ll get during your student journey.

You can search for homestay opportunities at UK Guardianship or HFS London.

Let Us Help With Your Accommodation & Beyond!

Hunting for that perfect accommodation doesn’t have to be difficult even though you are living overseas.

Let us help you with that and more!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey. This includes recommendations for accommodations, helping you identify the right scholarships and advice on further post-graduate courses as well.

No worries about the course application process, we can help guide you through every step of the way.

Get started with your free counselling session today.