'Where you live during your studies in the UK depends on the type of course and institution you choose.'
There are many different accommodation options for students in the United Kingdom. The four main types are:
- Accommodation owned by your school, college or university (often called ‘Halls of residence’)
- Boarding school accommodation
- Private rental accommodation owned by businesses and individuals
- Home-stay accommodation where you stay with a family or guardian
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has prepared two excellent information sheets on finding accommodation.
Choosing where to stay
The first step is to ask your chosen school, college or university if they offer any accommodation or can advise you. When you are choosing where to live, think about the following questions:
Choosing where to stay
The first step is to ask your chosen school, college or university if they offer any accommodation or can advise you. When you are choosing where to live, think about the following questions:
- How close is the accommodation to my place of study and to the shops?
- Are there good public transport links?
- How safe is the area?
- Which facilities are shared with other students?
- Is it quiet enough for studying?
- What do the accommodation costs cover/not cover?
Accommodation owned by your school, college or university
International students are often offered accommodation for their first year of study in a Hall of residence. This can be a fantastic way to make friends.
Food-wise, halls can be catered, self-catered or part-catered. Check what is included in your accommodation fees. It is also worth checking whether your fees cover cleaning and use of the laundry facilities. You may also have to pay for a TV license. Every household in the UK needs a TV license but you may be covered by your Hall. Ask a member of staff at your place of study, or find out more at the TV licensing website.
You will usually be offered a bedroom with a bed, desk and bookshelves (sometimes there may also be a sink in your room). All other facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom will be shared with other students.
Most halls have a social room where you can chat and watch films with your fellow students, plus a quiet room for study. Many also have a library and a prayer room.
If your course lasts for more than one year, you may be able to stay in Halls for the subsequent years. If this is not an option will have to find private, rented accommodation.
Boarding school accommodation
Boarding schools are for students up to the age of 18. As a boarder, you will usually be assigned to a ‘House’ when you arrive. In the House, you will have a bedroom or a bed in a dormitory. Each house has at least one member of staff living on the premises to look after you. You will normally receive all your meals, and your laundry will usually be taken care of too.
It can be great fun being a boarder – your house will organise parties and events so you will have lots of opportunities to make friends.
Private accommodation
Many students live in private, rented accommodation – this is especially common for students in the second and third year of their course. You could rent a place on your own, or you could rent a room in a shared house. Sharing is common for students in the UK. It can help to reduce your costs and is more sociable.
If you are renting, you will need to think about costs such as utilities (gas, electricity and water) and getting a TV license (see above). You may also need to provide your own items such as cutlery, plates and bedding.
Places to search for private accommodation include:
International students are often offered accommodation for their first year of study in a Hall of residence. This can be a fantastic way to make friends.
Food-wise, halls can be catered, self-catered or part-catered. Check what is included in your accommodation fees. It is also worth checking whether your fees cover cleaning and use of the laundry facilities. You may also have to pay for a TV license. Every household in the UK needs a TV license but you may be covered by your Hall. Ask a member of staff at your place of study, or find out more at the TV licensing website.
You will usually be offered a bedroom with a bed, desk and bookshelves (sometimes there may also be a sink in your room). All other facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom will be shared with other students.
Most halls have a social room where you can chat and watch films with your fellow students, plus a quiet room for study. Many also have a library and a prayer room.
If your course lasts for more than one year, you may be able to stay in Halls for the subsequent years. If this is not an option will have to find private, rented accommodation.
Boarding school accommodation
Boarding schools are for students up to the age of 18. As a boarder, you will usually be assigned to a ‘House’ when you arrive. In the House, you will have a bedroom or a bed in a dormitory. Each house has at least one member of staff living on the premises to look after you. You will normally receive all your meals, and your laundry will usually be taken care of too.
It can be great fun being a boarder – your house will organise parties and events so you will have lots of opportunities to make friends.
Private accommodation
Many students live in private, rented accommodation – this is especially common for students in the second and third year of their course. You could rent a place on your own, or you could rent a room in a shared house. Sharing is common for students in the UK. It can help to reduce your costs and is more sociable.
If you are renting, you will need to think about costs such as utilities (gas, electricity and water) and getting a TV license (see above). You may also need to provide your own items such as cutlery, plates and bedding.
Places to search for private accommodation include:
- your school, college or university welfare office
- adverts around campus or on the internet
- local estate agents
Before you move in, you may have to pay a deposit and sign a contract. Please see the UKCISA website for more information about this.
Home-stay accommodation
Home-stays are especially popular with English language students or younger students who want to live with a family from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. They can be a great opportunity to experience UK culture first-hand, though remember, you'll usually be expected to keep to the family rules!
Home-stay accommodation
Home-stays are especially popular with English language students or younger students who want to live with a family from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. They can be a great opportunity to experience UK culture first-hand, though remember, you'll usually be expected to keep to the family rules!
