Student Accommodation in the UK: A Complete Guide to Student Lets
Student Accommodation in the UK: A Complete Guide to Student Lets
Preparing for university is an exciting time, but finding the right student accommodation can also feel overwhelming. Whether you are searching for university halls, private student accommodation or shared student housing, understanding the process early can make securing the right property much easier.
From first year halls of residence to private student lets, this guide explains the different types of student accommodation available in the UK, where to find student housing, when to start searching, what student tenancy agreements involve and how to choose the right place to live.
Types of student accommodation
There are several different types of student accommodation available across the UK. The most suitable option will depend on your budget, university location, lifestyle and how much independence you want.
University halls of residence
Many universities guarantee accommodation for first year students. This accommodation is usually provided in halls of residence, often referred to simply as ‘halls’.
Halls are typically located close to campuses or city centres and usually include private bedrooms with shared kitchens and communal living areas. Some halls also include gyms, study areas, cafés, security and social spaces.
Halls may be:
- Owned directly by the university
- Managed by private student accommodation providers
- Catered or self-catered
- Shared or studio-style accommodation
For many first-year students, halls are the preferred option as they offer a low-risk introduction to university life and provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
You can learn more about university accommodation through the UCAS accommodation guide.
Private student accommodation
As students become more familiar with their university town or city, many choose to move into private student accommodation from their second year onwards.
Private student housing often provides:
- More choice over location
- Greater privacy
- More flexibility
- Shared living with friendship groups
- Potentially lower rental costs
Many second, third, Masters and PhD students choose student houses, apartments or HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) in the private rental sector.
Students renting privately may also find it useful to understand how tenancy agreements work before signing contracts.
Where to find student accommodation
There are several ways students can search for accommodation and student lets.
UCAS accommodation finder
Students can use the UCAS accommodation finder to search for:
- University-owned accommodation
- Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
- Private student housing
- Student apartments and houses
Student accommodation websites
There are also several specialist student accommodation platforms, including:
These websites allow students to compare:
- Rental prices
- Locations
- Facilities
- Student reviews
- Bills included options
Property portals and letting agents
Students searching the wider private rental market can also use:
Setting up property alerts can help students secure accommodation quickly in competitive university cities. Registering with local letting agents is also a good idea, as students may hear about new properties before they are publicly advertised.
When should students apply for accommodation?
If you are applying for university halls, applications usually open once your UCAS application has been accepted.
Students looking for private student accommodation should begin researching options as early as possible. In many university towns and cities, demand for student housing begins to rise in October and November for the following academic year.
There is often another peak in January once friendship groups are more established. In highly competitive areas, the best student houses can be secured many months in advance.
How much does student accommodation cost?
Student accommodation costs vary significantly depending on:
- Location
- Property type
- Facilities
- Whether bills are included
- Distance from campus
Recent student accommodation surveys suggest the average student rent in the UK is now around £575 per month, with costs considerably higher in London.
Students should also budget for:
- Utility bills
- Wi-Fi
- Deposits
- Travel costs
- Food and living expenses
Students can explore current average costs and student budgeting advice through Save the Student.
Understanding student tenancy agreements
Students living in halls may sign tenancy agreements lasting around 44 weeks, meaning they may need to vacate the property during university holidays.
Students renting in the private sector are often offered longer tenancy agreements, allowing them to remain in the property throughout the year.
Recent reforms introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act guidance may affect student tenancy agreements and the types of contracts offered by landlords and letting agents. Students should always carefully check:
- Tenancy length
- Deposit requirements
- Guarantor requirements
- Break clauses
- Bills included arrangements
- Notice periods
Viewing student accommodation
Viewing student accommodation before signing a tenancy agreement is extremely important.
Students can often tour halls during university open days or virtual events. Universities may also provide:
- Online walkthroughs
- Floorplans
- Videos
- Virtual tours
Students searching for private accommodation should arrange viewings through the letting agent or landlord wherever possible.
What if you cannot attend a property viewing?
There are many situations where students may not be able to physically attend a viewing, including:
- Applying through Clearing
- Living far away from the university
- Being overseas
- Being on placement
- Limited availability during holidays
This can make choosing accommodation much more stressful, especially when properties move quickly.
Viewber can help provide peace of mind when students cannot attend viewings in person. A Viewber Member can visit student accommodation anywhere in the UK, take photographs, compile reports and even hold a live video call from the property. This allows students and parents to make more informed decisions before committing to a tenancy agreement. See more here >>
With Viewber, there is no contract or minimum order – you can book a viewing on your behalf for just one property if needed.
You can also explore Viewber’s property viewing services for additional support here >>
Common student accommodation mistakes to avoid
When searching for student accommodation, students should watch out for:
- Fake listings and rental scams
- Hidden costs
- Poor transport links
- Unclear tenancy terms
- Properties with damp or maintenance issues
- Unverified landlords
- High energy bills
- Rushing into agreements too quickly
Always verify accommodation listings and avoid paying deposits before viewing or confirming the legitimacy of the property.
Students can also check landlord guidance and rental advice through Citizens Advice housing support.
Student accommodation checklist
Before choosing student accommodation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you working to a budget?
- Do you want a student apartment or shared house?
- Does the university guarantee halls accommodation?
- How many people are you comfortable living with?
- Would you prefer an en-suite bathroom?
- Are communal kitchens and lounges important?
- Do you want bills included in the rent?
- Do you want secure student accommodation?
- Are facilities such as a gym, café or study space important?
- Do you need accessible accommodation?
- How far from campus are you willing to live?
- Do you need parking?
- Do you need to be close to public transport?
- Will you need to commute to a work placement?
- Would you prefer quieter accommodation?
- Are you looking for accommodation tailored to specific lifestyles or communities?
Need Help Viewing Student Accommodation?
If you’re unable to attend a property viewing in person, Viewber can help.
Our trusted Viewbers can visit student accommodation anywhere in the UK, providing photos, feedback, reports and even live video calls so you can make a more informed decision before signing a tenancy agreement.
Whether you’re applying through Clearing, studying overseas or simply unable to travel, we’re here to help make the process easier.
