If you’re moving to the UK for university, congratulations!
This marks the start of an exciting journey.
But before you start exploring your new city or joining freshers’ week, there’s one big thing to sort out: where you’re going to live.
The UK rental market can feel complicated for international students, especially if you’re used to different systems back home. This guide will help you understand what to expect, and how to rent in the UK with confidence.
Know your options
In the UK, students typically choose between:
University halls: These are managed by your university and often reserved for first-year students. Rent usually includes bills and Wi-Fi, making budgeting easier.
Private student accommodation: Private companies offer modern, well-equipped accommodation, often close to campus. These are popular with international students for their convenience and security.
Shared housing: Many students move into shared houses (also known as HMOs, which stands for House in Multiple Occupation) with friends or other students. These tend to be cheaper, but bills may not be included, and you’ll have to deal with estate agents or landlords directly.
Studios or one-bedroom flats: These are an option in both PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accomodation) and the private market. They are more private and quiet, but depending on the area and spec, they could be significantly more expensive.
Understand what a guarantor is — and why it matters
Most UK landlords require a guarantor – someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. Usually, this must be a UK-based adult with a good credit history.
That’s a problem for many international students. If your parents are based outside the UK, they won’t meet the criteria.Services like Housing Hand can stand as a professional rent guarantor, so you can rent with confidence even if you don’t have family in the UK.
Budget for more than just rent
The average rent for students in the UK can vary hugely depending on where you live. For example, London is far more expensive than cities like Sheffield or Newcastle.
But it’s not just rent you need to think about. Don’t forget to budget for:
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)
- Internet
- Council tax (if you’re not in full-time education)
- Contents insurance
- Transport/travel costs
Top tip: You may be used to rent being paid monthly without added costs. In the UK, bills often come separately, so always check whether your rent is “bills included.” Note that most accommodation built for students charge rent during term time only, so this coincides with loan payments. This means you may also be able to choose how frequently you pay; monthly, termly, or annually.
You have rights as a tenant
It’s easy to feel like you’re on the back foot when renting in a new country, but UK tenants have strong legal protections. Remember that you’re entitled to:
- A safe, well-maintained property
- 24 hours’ notice before the landlord visits
- Your deposit being protected in a government-approved scheme
- A written tenancy agreement
If anything feels wrong or you’re unsure, you can get advice and support from your university housing office or a student union. You can also seek advice from ANUK, and Unipol.
Read the tenancy agreement carefully
Never sign a tenancy agreement without reading it properly and fully understanding it. Look out for:
- The length of the contract
- Break clauses (can you leave early if needed?)
- Whether you’re jointly responsible for housemates’ rent
- Who handles repairs and maintenance
Watch out for scams
Unfortunately, students, especially those booking from overseas, can be targeted by rental scams. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Being asked to pay a deposit before viewing the property
- The rent being suspiciously low for the area
- Landlords refusing to show proper documentation
Arrive prepared
To secure a rental, you may be asked to show:
- Your passport and visa
- Confirmation of student status
- Proof of funds or income
- A guarantor (or guarantor service confirmation)
- References (from previous landlords, if applicable)
Having these ready before you start your search will save time and hassle.
Think about location and transport
Renting close to campus might be more expensive, but it can save you time and travel costs.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may need to compromise and live a little further out. Just make sure there’s good access to public transport.UK public transport is generally reliable but not always cheap.
Consider a student travel card or railcard to help you save on commuting.
Connect with other international students
Many UK universities have international student societies or WhatsApp groups where you can ask questions and share recommendations. These networks can help you find safe, reliable housing or housemates from similar backgrounds.
Key takeaways
Renting in the UK might feel unfamiliar at first, but once you understand the basics – and get support where needed – it becomes much easier.
At Housing Hand, we help thousands of international students rent safely and affordably by acting as their UK-based guarantor. If you’re struggling to secure a property because of guarantor issues, talk to a member of our team or check out our guarantor service here.
