Finding the right student accommodation is one of the most important parts of preparing for university life. Whether you’re heading into your first year or moving into a new city for postgrad studies, getting the right place to live can make a huge difference to your comfort, focus, and budget.
Here’s everything you need to know about finding student accommodation in the UK — plus insider tips to help you avoid common mistakes.
🔍 1. Know Your Options
There are several types of student accommodation in the UK:
- University Halls – On-campus or university-managed halls, ideal for first-year students.
- Private Student Halls – Purpose-built student living with extra facilities (e.g. gyms, social spaces).
- Shared Houses (HMOs) – Popular for second- and third-year students, often managed by private landlords.
- Studios & Flats – Best for students wanting more privacy and independence.
- Homestay or Lodgings – Live with a host family, often preferred by international students.
📅 2. When Should You Start Looking?
- First-Year Students: Apply for university halls once you’ve accepted your offer (usually May–July).
- Returning Students: Start your house hunt in November–January for the following academic year. The best properties go quickly!
- Last-Minute Movers: Don’t panic — there are still options available in August and September, especially in larger cities.
📍 3. Best Cities for Students in the UK
Some of the most popular (and competitive) places to live as a student:
- London – Vibrant and diverse student living, packed with private hall options
- Manchester – A thriving student hub with a mix of flats and shared house
- Bristol – Great for independent living and culture
- Edinburgh– Rich in history and a vibrant student life
- Canterbury– Charming, walkable, and home to major universities
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🛑 4. Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
- Not Viewing in Person (or Virtually) – Always view a property before committing.
- Ignoring the Contract – Read your tenancy agreement thoroughly, including terms around deposits, bills, and damages.
- No Council Tax Knowledge – Full-time students are exempt, but part-time or joint tenants may not be.
- Falling for Scams – Never pay cash up front or deal with landlords who refuse to show documentation.
💡 5. Top Tips for Securing Your Accommodation
- Use verified platforms like Studentpad
- Set a realistic budget (consider rent, utilities, travel, and food).
- Register early on your Universities Studentpad site and set up alerts if you’re moving as a group.
- Prioritise location — close to campus, public transport, and supermarkets.
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Do student houses include bills?
A: Some do, some don’t — check the listing carefully. “Bills included” often covers gas, electric, water, and Wi-Fi. Also check the capped or uncapped options on Studentpad
Q: What if I don’t know anyone to live with?
A: Use your university’s accommodation support or tools like Studentpad’s Housemate Finder to meet others.
Q: Is it easy for international students to find and rent private accommodation?
A: Yes! Most landlords accept international students, but you may need to pay more upfront or have a UK guarantor. Check out the international student blogs on Studentpad here!
What is Studentpad?
Studentpad is a trusted UK-based accommodation platform that helps students find safe, affordable, and university-approved housing. We work with universities to provide listings for houses, flats, private halls, and housemate-finding tools.
❓ How does Studentpad help students find accommodation?
Studentpad connects students with verified landlords and property managers. You can search by location, price, room type, or proximity to your university. Some universities also provide exclusive access to listings through their own Studentpad portal.
Is Studentpad free for students to use?
Yes! Studentpad is completely free for students. You can browse listings, message landlords, and use housemate-finder tools without paying anything.
Why Students Trust Studentpad for Finding Accommodation
Choosing where to live as a student can be overwhelming — but thousands of UK students trust Studentpad to help them find the right place. Studentpad has partnerships with over 100 universities in the UK and Ireland. Here’s what students are saying:
"A lot of people recommend Studentpad."
Word of mouth matters, and many students turn to Studentpad because it's widely recommended across university networks and student forums.
"It is associated with my university and highly recommended by it."
Studentpad works in partnership with over 100 universities in the UK, ensuring that the listings are vetted, safe, and relevant to your campus.
"I find the service is excellent."
From browsing student houses and flats to using tools like Housemate Finder, Studentpad delivers a smooth, helpful experience for students at all levels —undergraduate, postgraduate, or international.
"The website is good and easy to navigate."
Looking for student accommodation near campus? Whether you need a studio, shared flat, or private hall room, the Studentpad interface makes it easy to filter by location, price, and property type. The transport tools help you quickly know how close the accommodation is to the campus.
If you are still looking for your student accommodation head to the Studentpad search tools to find your university's accommodation search site to help you find your new student accommodation, then get searching for your off campus shared house, room, or apartment.
Post by Laura Walker (Marketing and Research Manager at The Pad Group)
