UK Student Accomodation options

Private Halls of Residence (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation – PBSA)

PBSAs are highly desirable for students as they are purposely built to cater to student needs and often come with all bills included so that you don’t have to worry about any extra charges during your stay. PBSAs also try to include facilities like study areas, lounges, gyms, and laundry facilities, among others, for your convenience.

PBSAs also offer various options: these are often student flat shares, which include private rooms in a student flat share arrangement, where students can share some facilities, as well as studios and entire flats, which are the most private options and more self-contained.

• Pros: Modern facilities, social amenities, often closer to the city center, more privacy
• Cons: Can be more expensive than university halls.
• Types:  Ensuites, suite apartments, studio flats.

Many universities have their own websites or portals where they list approved PBSA providers

Some of the websites you can check out are:

• https://www.studentpad.co.uk/
• https://www.cbre.com/

Shared Houses/Student Flats (Private Rentals)

Student flat shares consist of either sharing a flat with your friends, meaning that you and a group of friends rent out an entire flat, or renting a private room in a shared flat, depending on the listing offered. Some of the facilities shared in a shared flat include the kitchen, living area, and other facilities that can include a laundry facility.

• Pros: More privacy and freedom, potentially more affordable, flexibility to choose roommates.
• Cons: Requires more work to find and manage accommodation.

Private Rentals (Apartments/Studios):

Private studios for students and private apartments offer more or less the same facilities; however, they differ in layout, with studios being more compact and having an open-plan layout.

• Pros: More independence and choice of location.
• Cons: Can be expensive, requires more responsibility for managing the property.

Homestays

Homestays consist of having a private room in a shared flat; however, you’ll be staying with a host family in exchange for a fee. Staying with a host family helps International students, in particular, get acquainted with the local way of life, which includes customs and traditions, local foods, and daily interactions with locals, which can also be beneficial in providing tips.

In most cases, staying with a host family also includes having meals provided as well as access to laundry facilities.

• Pros: Cultural immersion, can be a good option for those who prefer a home-like environment, often includes meals.
• Cons: Less freedom and privacy than other options.

Some of the websites you can check out are:

• https://bedandbreakfast.uk/
• https://www.spareroom.co.uk/
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/united-kingdom/stays

Student Housing Costs

Note: that prices in major cities lean towards the higher end of the provided averages; for instance, if you’re looking for student accommodation in London, you’ll be paying on average £1,465 to £2,098 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as an average rent in London.If you have decided to live in the UK and study at some of its most famous universities, such as University College London, the University of London, and more, we provide various options near these universities.

Many UK universities offer B&B stays during vacation periods, ideal for tourists, conference attendees, or short-term visitors. These accommodations often provide a unique experience within historic college settings.

Tenancy Rights & Deposit Protection

• In the UK, tenant tenancy rights include the right to a safe and habitable property, deposit protection, and fair eviction procedures.
• A tenancy deposit is a sum of money a landlord can request at the beginning of a tenancy as security against potential issues like non-payment of rent or any property damage etc. Tenant needs to get it back when your tenancy ends, but the landlord can make fair deductions if there are issues. 
• Tenancy deposit schemes are mandatory for landlords for assured shorthold tenancies. These schemes protect tenants’ deposits by holding them securely until the end of the tenancy, ensuring they are returned if no issues arise.

Tenancy Deposit Protection:

• Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs): If you have an AST, your landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS): Two types of schemes are available: custodial and insured.

1. Custodial: The scheme holds the deposit in a bank account and releases it when both landlord and tenant agree.
2. Insured: The landlord or agent holds the deposit, but the scheme provides insurance coverage.

• Deposit Limits: The deposit amount cannot exceed five weeks’ rent if the annual rent is £50,000 or less, or six weeks’ rent if the annual rent is more than £50,000.
• Information Requirements: Landlords must provide tenants with information about the chosen scheme, the deposit amount, and how it will be returned.
• Scheme Providers: Approved providers include Deposit Protection Service, Tenancy Deposit Scheme, and MyDeposits.
• Disputes: If a dispute arises about the deposit, the money will be held by the scheme until the issue is resolved.
• Local Council Help: If you cannot afford the deposit, local councils may offer assistance through rent or deposit guarantee schemes.
• Going to Court: If a landlord fails to protect your deposit or dispute resolution fails, you may need to take legal action to recover your deposit.

Tenancy Rights:

• Right to a Safe and Habitable Property: Landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is safe and in a good state of repair.
• Right to Deposit Return: Tenants have the right to have their deposit returned at the end of the tenancy, provided there are no outstanding issues.
• Right to Challenge Charges: Tenants can challenge excessively high charges or deductions from their deposit.
• Right to Information: Tenants have the right to know who their landlord is and to receive an Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
• Right to Live Uninterrupted: Tenants have the right to live in the property undisturbed by their landlord.
• Right to be Protected from Unfair Eviction: Tenants are protected from unfair eviction and rent increases.
• Right to a Written Agreement: If a tenancy is a fixed-term of more than three years, tenants have the right to a written agreement.

Payment Systems

• Typically in the UK, rent is calculated every week, as is the tenancy length, to calculate the rent as well as to plan your stay.Regarding payments, in the UK, to qualify to pay in instalments, you generally will have to have a UK-based guarantor who is a legal resident of the UK, has a stable fixed income, and is above the age of 18.
• Depending on the building’s policy, you will have a set number of installments to pay, and the policy regarding UK guarantors might differ. In most cases, not having a UK-based guarantor will require you to pay the total amount upfront. There are, however, various services that qualify to act as guarantors for a small fee.

Catering

• UK student accommodation options have larger and better-equipped kitchens generally. Various UK student housing buildings have restaurants and cafeterias.
• Note that prices in major cities lean towards the higher end of the provided averages; for instance, if you’re looking for student accommodation in London, you’ll be paying on average £1,465 to £2,098 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as an average rent in London.If you have decided to live in the UK and study at some of its most famous universities, such as University College London, the University of London, and more, we provide various options near these universities.
• Many UK universities offer B&B stays during vacation periods, ideal for tourists, conference attendees, or short-term visitors. These accommodations often provide a unique experience within historic college settings.

Utilities and Essential Services

• For University accommodations, generally the utilities charges are included in the rent. Please check your university policy for the same.
• For privately rented apartmments, these utilities charges may or may not be included in the rent. If they are not included, you would need to arrange essential utilities and services that ensure a comfortable and operable living space. It could be challenging at first, but you can easily sail through it with some precautions and assistance.

Electricity and Gas

• There are many energy suppliers in the UK that can provide you with electricity and gas. Before you move into your new house, research suppliers and compare their tariffs, customer service, and any specific deal they offer to NRIs. After choosing a supplier, set up an account and activate your service at your residence.
• Some of electricity & gas providers are – British Gas, EDF Energy, E. ON, Npower, Scottish Power, and SSE.

Water Supply

• While residents can choose their provider for electricity and gas, there is typically one water provider in each area. Therefore, find out who provides your area and contact them to open an account. They may require proof of residence and meter readings before initiating the service.

Broadband and TV

• Having reliable internet and access to entertainment is vital. Research broadband providers in your area, compare packages and prices and select the one that best suits your needs. Some providers offer combined packages with TV services, which will help you save money in the long run.
• Some of broadband providers are – BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Plusnet, Vodafone, and NOW Broadband.

Mobile & Landline

• When you move to the UK, you might want to convert your Indian mobile number to a British company E-sim, and keep it active through international charge, or buy a new UK SIM card. Additionally, you may want to set up a landline connection for your residence if required.
• Some of mobile & landline providers are – BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, EE, and TalkTalk.

You can refer to following websites to find out best deals in your area.

• https://www.uswitch.com/
• https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

Notable UK University B&B Options:

University of Oxford:

• St Peter’s College: Offers single and double rooms with en-suite facilities. Rates start from £75 per night, with breakfast available for an additional £10.
• University College (Univ): Provides a range of rooms, including en-suite options, in the heart of Oxford.
• Christ Church: Features ensuite and standard rooms, with breakfast included.

University of Cambridge:

• Queens’ College: Offers twin en-suite rooms with breakfast included. Guests also have access to college amenities like the gym and squash courts.
• St Catharine’s College: Provides en-suite and standard rooms with full English and continental breakfast options.
• Westminster College: Features en-suite rooms in a central location, ideal for exploring Cambridge.

University of Kent:

• Tyler Court: En-suite double rooms available, with breakfast served at the Gulbenkian Café. Rates range from £70 to £80 per night.

Queen Mary University of London:

• Mile End Campus: Offers single en-suite rooms with access to communal kitchens. Breakfast is not included, but rooms are available on a B&B basis. ​ QM

Tips for Booking University B&B Accommodation

• Availability: Most university B&Bs are available during university vacation periods, such as summer and Christmas breaks.
• Booking: It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially for popular universities or during peak tourist seasons.
• Facilities: Check if breakfast is included in the rate and inquire about additional amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and access to university facilities.
• Policies: Review cancellation policies and any restrictions, such as age limits or minimum stay requirements.