One of the biggest financial considerations for international students in the UK is the cost of accommodation. Whether you choose to live in London or outside it, understanding what to expect can help you plan your finances more effectively.
Accommodation types typically include university halls of residence, private student halls, shared flats or houses, and homestays. Costs can vary significantly depending on location, facilities, and accommodation type.
Student Accommodation Costs in London
London is the most expensive city in the UK when it comes to housing. As of 2025, here’s what you can expect:
University-Owned Halls
Standard room with shared bathroom: £180–£250 per week
En-suite room: £240–£320 per week
Studio (self-contained): £300–£450 per week
These halls usually include utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) and sometimes even gym access or cleaning services.
Private Student Accommodation
Shared flat or cluster en-suite: £260–£350 per week
Premium studio apartments: £400–£600+ per week
Providers such as Unite Students, Student Roost, and IQ Student Accommodation offer high-end student housing with modern facilities. However, the prices reflect the premium.
Private Renting (Shared Housing)
Single room in a shared house/flat: £700–£1,000 per month
Entire studio or one-bedroom flat: £1,300–£1,800 per month
These rates may or may not include bills. Council tax is usually exempt for full-time students, but broadband, gas, electricity, and water need to be factored in if not included.
Student Accommodation Costs Outside London
Living outside London is considerably more affordable, especially in student cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Glasgow.
University-Owned Halls
Standard shared room: £100–£140 per week
En-suite room: £130–£180 per week
Studio: £160–£220 per week
These usually include all bills and offer a community-oriented environment with access to campus facilities.
Private Student Accommodation
Shared flat or cluster en-suite: £130–£200 per week
Premium studio apartments: £200–£300 per week
Many cities have luxury student developments with gyms, study lounges, and social spaces, though at a higher cost.
Private Renting (Shared Housing)
Single room in shared house: £350–£600 per month
One-bedroom flat: £650–£950 per month
These prices vary depending on the city and proximity to the university. In cities like Newcastle or Liverpool, shared housing can be found at even lower rates.
Additional Living Costs to Consider
In addition to rent, students should also budget for the following:
Utilities (if not included): £50–£100 per month
Internet: £20–£35 per month
Council Tax: £0 (full-time students are exempt)
Transportation: In London, a student Oyster card gives 30% discount; outside London, student bus passes vary per city
Tips for Saving on Accommodation
Book early: The best and most affordable options fill up fast.
Consider location: Being slightly further from campus often means lower rent.
Go for shared housing: Splitting costs can save significantly.
Check what’s included: Choose places where utilities are bundled in.
Look at university recommendations: They often list trusted landlords or agencies.
Should You Live in London as an International Student?
Living in London offers world-class experiences, job opportunities, and cultural exposure, but comes at a premium. For students with a tighter budget, cities like Birmingham, Cardiff, or Glasgow offer high-quality education and much lower living costs.
Monthly Budgeting Example
London Student (En-suite university accommodation)
Rent: £1,000
Groceries: £250
Transport: £100
Social/leisure: £150
Utilities & internet (if not included): £80
Total: ~£1,580/month
Manchester Student (En-suite university accommodation)
Rent: £600
Groceries: £200
Transport: £60
Social/leisure: £120
Utilities & internet (if not included): £70
Total: ~£1,050/month
Conclusion: Plan Smart, Live Better
Accommodation is one of the most variable and significant parts of your study budget in the UK. While London offers prestige and opportunities, many excellent UK universities are located in more affordable cities. We recommend comparing multiple options based on your course location, lifestyle preference, and budget.
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