Accommodation in UK for International Students

Accommodation in UK for foreign students - Making the decision to go UK for higher studies isn’t an easy one, because along with huge sums of money, there are many other aspects to be accounted for, including accommodation. In fact, the significance of finding a decent student accommodation in UK, where one gets peace of mind and shares space with like-minded people, can’t be underplayed. Otherwise, instead of focusing on studies you may end up wasting all your energy on trivialities like cleaning up a messy room, commuting (if the accommodation is too far away from the university), or, god forbid, arguing with your boisterous neighbors or landlord! So, if you have decided to study in the UK is where you are headed, it is important that you do some research on accommodation in UK for foreign students. It will help you understand better what are the different options that are available before you and which one suits you best.

This Story also Contains

1. Accommodation in UK for International Students
2. Types of Accommodation in UK
3. Cost of accommodation in UK for students
4. How to find accommodation in UK?
5. How to find accommodation in UK for international students?
6. Factors to consider while choosing accommodation in UK for Indian Students
7. Tips to find accommodation in UK

Accommodation in UK for International Students

Accommodation covers the major portion in the cost of living in UK. There two options in student accommodation in UK, they are on- campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation in UK. Generally speaking, the first choice of students looking for accommodation in UK for foreign students is on-campus accommodation, which isn’t very difficult to see.

On Campus Accommodation

To begin with, on-campus student accommodation in UK is frequently administered by university authorities, which apart from providing a sense of security, reduces chances of foul play. Then, unlike off-campus accommodation, on-campus accommodation allows students to stay within the college campus or at the least within striking distance of the university, which not only reduces commuting costs and time, but gives them uninterrupted access to university resources like university library and a vibrant social life. But everything being said and done, not every student studying in UK can be accommodated in on-campus accommodation, since there are limited seats. These students then have to opt for private accommodation or off-campus accommodation, which despite some limitations has its own unique advantages like privacy, freedom to choose your roommates etc.

Off-campus student accommodation in UK

If you are unable to get into on-campus accommodation, you need to try private accommodation. Private accommodation is the most expensive option for student accommodation in the UK. Finding an apartment becomes easier and more appealing when you already have a few friends who want to live with you. Experts say you shouldn't pay up front unless you've seen the property or spoken directly to the owner. Consider the location, size, cost, etc. and make sure that the facility is legal.

Types of Accommodation in UK

Even though student accommodation in UK is on campus and off campus, there different types in accommodation options. The details of these are listed below.

Residence halls

Residence halls are the most desirable accommodation in the UK for students. They are further divided into two main groups.

There are off-campus ones provided by private companies and on-campus ones provided by universities. A typical residence hall has 5-10 rooms per floor, a communal kitchen, living room or common area. In most cases, bathrooms are attached to each room individually or shared with adjacent rooms. Depending on your budget, you can choose from single, double or premium rooms. Budget is a major factor in determining the type of UK student accommodation you choose.

Basic facilities offered included in the halls of residence include:

• Wifi connectivity across all study bedroom.

• Non-smoking hall

• On site fully-equipped laundry

• Common room/TV lounge

Catered and non-catered halls of residence

If you've made the decision to live in a resident hall, you probably want to know whether you can choose a catered or non-catered hall. If you choose a catered hall, you can choose to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a catered hall of residence, and can use the communal kitchen if you feel hungry between meals. However if you choose to live in a non-catered hall, you will have to cook your own meals or eat at a canteen. While the cost of a room is almost the same when it comes to a private hall of residence and one in the university, you will be spending more if you choose a catered hall of residence.

Benefits of living in a hall of residence

Living in a dormitory as an international student gives you the opportunity to meet new people and build meaningful relationships by living with peers. It gives you a sense of community and a strong support network abroad. Also, living in a student dormitory saves a lot of time traveling to and from the university because it is on campus.

Also check accommodations in other countries

Cost of accommodation in UK for students

Finding a cheapest accommodation in uk for international students to live can put you in a very comfortable financial position because the rent for your apartment in the UK may be your largest expense while you are studying there. The average monthly cost of accommodation in UK for students for ten cities is given in the table below.

Citywise accommodation rates in UK

Source: https://www.studying-in-uk.org/accommodation-in-uk/

Also read

• Top 15 low cost universities in UK for International students
• Popular short term programs to study in UK
• Student education loan to study in UK

How to find accommodation in UK?

Once the exams are done, most of the rooms will be vacant in the month of June. First, choose the type of accommodation required, like residence halls, studios, etc. For on-campus, the candidate can directly, fill out the application online through the official university website. For off-campus, the candidate can search for accommodation through online websites like Spare Room, Gumtree, etc. University websites also provide listings of off-campus accommodation in its website the candidate can check these resources for finding accommodation in UK.

How to find accommodation in UK for international students?

Internationational students who are traveling to UK for the first time can choose the on-campus accommodation. In the case of off-campus, they can check through online and university website listings. However, suppose students are not aware of the areas, licensing and lease operation, in that case, they can approach housing agencies, which charge service fees and provide the candidate with the best housing options. Few of the housing agencies in UK are Zoopla, Unihomes, save the student (STS), Savill, etc.

Factors to consider while choosing accommodation in UK for Indian Students

Selection of accommodation in UK for the Indian students who are new to the country can be a challenging task. Here are a few things to be considered while planning for accommodation in UK for Indian students.

Choose the type of accommodation - Before looking for accommodation in UK, the students have to make their decision to choose apartments or residence halls or studios for their living.

Location of the Accommodation - While choosing the location, the costs of the accommodation can be higher if the accommodation location is near the university. If the location is far there can be additional transportation cots. So, the candidate must weigh these options before finalizing the accommodation.

Check the room is furnished or not - Even though extra furnishings like cup-boards, wardrobes, and lockers can be up to the choice of the candidate, the candidate has to make sure the basic necessities like a study table, bed, and mattress are provided or not.

Tips to find accommodation in UK

• Consider on-campus accommodation for the first year in the country, if the candidate does not like to involve in paying bills, or setting up equipment or furniture in the rented houses in off-campus.
• While choosing off-campus, the candidate can purchase the necessities for the room after finalizing the housing. Purchasing beforehand can result in extra or unwanted expenses.
• Choose the flatmates or roommates carefully or else it would be hard to live with someone if they are not trustworthy.
• If possible take the feedback from previous tenants if possible to know about any flaws in the housing.