How to choose student accommodation

Choosing the right student accommodation is a big decision – especially if you’re moving away from home for the first time.

Choosing where to live while studying in the UK is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student. Your accommodation will impact not only your finances, but your wellbeing, social life, academic performance, and day-to-day happiness.

Here are the key things to consider when trying to choose student accommodation, from the basics like location and cost, to the “I wish I’d thought of that earlier” extras.

Location, location, location

Of course, proximity to campus is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Think about:

Are you walking distance from shops, transport, and your university buildings?
How long will your daily commute be? Is there a direct bus or train line?
Is the area known for being student-friendly and safe?
What’s the vibe like? Quiet and suburban, or vibrant and central?

If you’re new to the UK, use Google Street View or student forums to get a feel for different areas before choosing where to live. Quite often, the closer you are to campus, the more expensive your rent may be. So, consider where you will be spending most of your time: at home or at lectures?

Value for money (look beyond rent!)

It’s not just about finding the cheapest option, it’s about finding a place that offers good value.

Rent may be reasonable, but have you considered:

If bills are included (gas, electricity, water, WiFi)
If your accommodation includes a gym, study spaces, or social areas?
If furniture and appliances are provided?
Are there any hidden feeds?
The length of your contract? This will allow you to work out the annual cost.

Always compare what’s included before making your decision. And remember – shared accommodation can often be cheaper, but you’ll need to consider who you’ll be living with.

Some providers offer all-inclusive pricing, while others leave you to manage bills with your housemates, so it’s worth checking upfront.

What’s included in your contract?

Before signing anything, make sure you understand the type of contract being offered:

Is it a fixed-term contract?
Are you liable for rent during holidays?
What’s the notice period?

It’s also worth checking whether there are any hidden fees, and how to report maintenance issues.

If you don’t have a UK-based rent guarantor, this might also affect your choices. Luckily, services like Housing Hand can stand as your professional guarantor, helping you secure the accommodation you want.

Read more about how professional guarantors work.

Think about what facilities will make life easier?

Your student accommodation is more than just a place to sleep. Look for features that will support your lifestyle:

WiFi: Strong, reliable connection is essential for lectures, research, and streaming.
Security: Are there CCTV cameras, fob entry, on-site staff?
Communal spaces: Useful for socialising, studying, or relaxing.
Furnishings: Is the room furnished? Are there wardrobes, a desk, and a chair?
Laundry: On-site laundry can be a big convenience.

Check reviews or ask current or past tenants for feedback before booking.

It’s easy to underestimate how important these little things are, until you’re stuck drying your laundry over a radiator for a week!

Private halls vs shared rentals vs university halls

There are typically three main types of student accommodation in the UK:

University-managed halls

These are run by your university, often located close to campus. They’re a great choice for first-year students who want convenience and pastoral support.

Private halls

Run by independent providers, these often offer more modern facilities, social events, and flexible contract lengths – but they may be more expensive.

Shared private rentals

Houses or flats rented with friends or through an agent. Often cheaper than halls, but you’ll need to manage bills and deal directly with landlords.

First-years often prefer halls, while second and third-years may move into private housing with friends.

Each comes with pros and cons depending on your budget, lifestyle and preferences, so really think about which will be best for you.

International students: Extra considerations

If you’re coming to the UK from abroad, there are extra steps to consider:

Do you have a UK-based guarantor? If not, Housing Hand can help.
Do you need a visa letter or proof of accommodation for your visa?
Are you arriving late or early compared to term dates?
Can you pay using international methods like Alipay or WeChat pay?

Many student accommodation providers now cater specifically to international students, offering multilingual support, flexible payment plans, and airport pickups.