One of the primary challenges international students in UK face is finding safe, secure and affordable accommodation. The cost of living in UK is exorbitant, so it is important to look for affordable accommodation.
Your budget will play a major role in determining what kind of accommodation is best for you. If you’re on a tight budget, sharing with others may be your best option. However, if privacy is important to you, renting your own apartment might be the better choice.
University halls and large purpose-built student accommodations often are the best options if you want to save money. Homestays are another popular way for international students to live in the UK.
The price you pay for your room will vary depending on the location, what is offered by the accommodation provider and whether you want to share it with others. It’s worth checking out all of the different options and comparing them against each other.
If you are planning to visit UK in the near future for higher education, we can help you find affordable accommodation. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of accommodations available for international students in UK. We will also give you some helpful tips to find budget-friendly student accommodation in UK.
Types of Student Accommodation in the UK
There are many different types of accommodation available for international students in UK. Choosing the right one can be difficult, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before booking. Here are the common type of accommodation for international students in UK.
Halls of Residence (Student Halls)
Halls of residence are usually a popular choice for first-year international students in UK, as they offer a good way to get used to university life and independence. They are typically located on campus and offer many facilities, including kitchens, bathrooms, study spaces and social spaces for students to meet.
Pros
- Safety
- Budget-Friendly
- Socializing and networking opportunities
Cons
- Shared kitchen, bathroom, and other facilities
- No privacy
Cost: £166 – £212 per week
Private Dorms (Private Student Halls)
Private dorms are a popular choice for international students in UK, and they offer a range of different room types. They also come with many enviable amenities, such as double beds, superfast Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. However, private student halls tend to be slightly more expensive than older university halls.
Pros
- Modern construction and designs
- Available studio rooms
- Cinema rooms and saunas
Cons
- More expensive than halls of residence
- May be noisy
- Shared common areas
Cost: £155 – £259 per week
Rented Apartments
If you want privacy while studying and living in UK, rented apartments are a good option. Rents vary greatly across the country and depend on your area and the type of accommodation you want. You can use aggregator websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla to search for rental properties for international students in UK.
Pros
- Freedom to choose location
- Privacy
Cons
- Can be costly
- Safety can be an issue
Cost: £554 – £750 per month
Rooms in Private Houses (Homestays)
One of the more popular choices for international students in UK is rooms in private houses, or Homestays as they are more commonly known. Many international students find it helpful to live with a local family while studying in the UK. However, a homestay may be more expensive than a shared apartment or private rent. So, if you need a money transfer from India to UK to manage your rent and other bills, try Remigos foreign remittance service. We offer the best rates for international money transfers.
Pros
- Home-cooked meals
- Learning the British culture and language
- Close sense of home
Cons
- Host family’s rules.
- Lack of privacy
- No socializing opportunities with other students
Cost: £600 – £800 per month
Tips to Find Affordable Accommodation for International Students in UK
Choosing where to live while studying in UK is a big decision. There are a few options available, including halls of residence or privately rented flats and houses. However, it’s important to do your research and make a decision that suits your budget and the location you want. Here are some tips for finding affordable accommodation for international students in UK.
- Decide On a Budget
Student living costs can be a major concern for many international students. Accommodation rent takes place more than 50% of your monthly student budget. So, it is important to consider your budget when choosing accommodation for international students in UK. Before you start looking for a place to live, it is important to know how much you can spend on it. This will help you to manage your finances and choose the best student accommodation as per your budget. You can open a UK bank account with Remigos if you want to manage your finances as an international student. We offer the best digital banking facilities at zero monthly fees.
- Consider Your Living Preferences
When it comes to finding affordable accommodation for international students in UK, your living preferences are important. Some students prefer to live in halls, while others want the freedom of a private home or apartment. Whether you are looking for a room, studio, or flat, the right accommodation is key to living a happy and stress-free student life. While on-campus accommodations are cheaper, you can even go for rented apartments and share them with roommates to lower the cost.
- Do Your Research
A great way to find the right student accommodation in UK is to do your research. This will give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to the location, size, and cost of different accommodations. The most important part of this process is making sure you find a home that meets your budget and lifestyle requirements. This will help you to save time and find affordable accommodation. There are several websites and apps you can use to find accommodation for international students in UK.
- Choose Affordable Location
One of the most important things to consider when you are looking for student accommodation in the UK is the location. You need to make sure that you choose a place that is in an area that will be easy for you to get to and will be safe. There are a lot of places to stay that are affordable for international students in UK. You need to be careful about choosing a place that is in a safe area, has clean rooms, and is close to your university.
- Make Sure the Location Is Safe
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing student accommodation is safety. This is particularly true of those located in remote locations, so ensuring the place you call home is secure is a must. The best way to find out is to do your research and speak with others who have experience living in the UK. This will give you a better idea of the type of accommodation to look for and what features are likely to be included.
- Compare Cost
The cost of student accommodation can vary greatly depending on where you live and what you’re looking for. This is why it’s important to compare different options before you make a decision. First-year international students in UK typically opt for halls of residence to ease their transition to campus life and independence. If you aren’t sure about how much student housing is going to cost, you should check out a university’s website. It will tell you what each option costs and what it includes.
- Make Sure Accommodation Includes Everything Need
When it comes to student accommodation, the amenities can make or break your stay. From a quality shower to a well-stocked kitchen, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting all the best features. It’s important to find out if the accommodations you’re considering offer all-inclusive utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet for international students in UK. This will save you from a lot of hassle when it comes to managing bills, and it’s also a great way to make your accommodation feel more like home.
- Take Your Time
The right student accommodation is essential to your success at university, so you need to take the time to find it. But don’t rush into making a decision, or you could end up in a situation where you aren’t happy, and your experience is ruined. Taking your time to find your student accommodation will allow you to consider every aspect of your living arrangements and ensure you get the right place for your budget.
- Arrange Everything Before You Arrive
One of the most challenging parts of studying abroad is figuring out where to live and what type of accommodation to look for. If you want to save money, make sure you arrange everything before you arrive in UK. Do your research, find the best accommodation as per your budget and make a booking beforehand. It will help you to immediately settle when you arrive and avoid the unnecessary cost of hotel rooms. You can also get insurance in UK directly from India with Remigos at the best price for better health and travel coverage.
5 Cities with Cheap Accommodation for International Students in UK
As an international student, affordability is a critical factor when choosing the right city to study in. It includes things like tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and food. While most UK cities are expensive, there are some that offer cheap accommodation for students. Here are 5 of them:
- Hull
- Dundee
- Sunderland
- Wolverhampton
- Bradford
The Best UK Student Accommodation Websites
There are several student accommodation websites in the UK that can help you find the perfect place to stay while studying abroad. These websites have a number of features that can make the process easier for you. Here are some of the best websites you can use to find affordable student accommodation in UK.
- AmberStudent
- SpareRoom
- Rightmove Student Accommodation
- StudentPad
- Rooftop Living
Creative Ways to Save on Your Student Accommodation
Housing is a major expense for students and can be difficult to manage on a tight budget. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Whether you’re looking for student accommodation close to campus or further away, there are some creative ways you can save on your living costs.
- Look for free or used furniture
- Split the rent with others
- Opt for the smaller room
- Choose the right location
- Verify the supplies and items in the accommodation
Conclusion
Getting accommodation for international students can be one of the biggest challenges that come with moving to UK for studies. As the cost of living in UK is at an all-time high, finding an affordable student accommodation is the key to lowering your monthly expense. The cost of accommodation depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the city you prefer to live in as well as the neighbourhood. If you are looking for affordable accommodation in UK, it is best to use online websites to start your search early. This will give you an idea about the current rent in different cities and help you to compare the cost. You can also check your university’s website and social media to find cheap and affordable accommodation.
