The United Kingdom is a popular study abroad destination. When planning the academic journey, it is important to finalise the right kind of student accommodation after shortlisting the destination, study program, and university. Various accommodations in the UK are available for international students that align with their preferences. So, let’s get started and learn more about some popular housing options available in the UK for Indian students and other interesting information.

Key highlights

• Reasons to study in the UK for Indian students
• Types of student accommodation in the UK
• Living costs in the UK for international students in the top 3 cities
• How to find affordable student accommodation in London and other cities?

Reasons to study in the UK for Indian students

• As per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World’s University Rankings 2024, 4 out of 10 world’s top universities are in the UK, offering globally-recognised degrees in various domains.
• The UK student visa allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session. Moreover, the Graduate visa, also known as the post-graduate work visa, allows them to work or look for job opportunities in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their courses.
  Also Read: What aspirants must know about the May intake universities in the UK
• Excellent job prospects and a warm and welcoming environment are other factors attracting students to this educational hub.

Types of student accommodation in the UK

On-campus (living within the university campus) and off-campus (living outside the university premises) are two broad types of accommodation options available to students. The popular accommodation arrangements offered to students in the UK are as follows:

• University campus :

  In the university campus or halls of residence, you will get separate rooms where you can stay till your course completion. This is one of the best and safest accommodation options for students, allowing them to socialise with other students and participate in campus activities.

• Private student accommodation :

  These accommodations are managed via organisations or private companies and are also known as private student halls. You may find single or shared rooms featuring access to other common areas. This student housing option offers more freedom and privacy and is well-equipped with modern facilities.

• Rental apartments :

  Rental apartments are great options to stay outside the campus, either alone or with peers. This is an expensive accommodation choice as it gives you the freedom to choose your roommates and location.

  Also Read: PSW Visa: The US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland

• Homestays :

  In homestays, you will live with a host family as a paying guest. These local households will offer meals as a part of the accommodation arrangement. Sharing a space with a host family is not only affordable but also a great way to socialise and learn about new cultures, customs, and languages.

Living costs in the UK for international students in the top 3 cities

London, Manchester, and Birmingham are the three most popular UK cities, ranked 1st, 30th, and 49th as per the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2024. The living costs in these three cities vary and are mentioned below:

• Cost of a student apartment in London :

  The monthly cost of student accommodation in the UK in London will vary from ∼INR 43,000 to ∼INR 1,94,000.

• Cost of student accommodation in Manchester :

  The monthly cost of student accommodation in Manchester can be ∼INR 53,000 to ∼INR 1,54,000.

• Cost of student accommodation in Birmingham, the UK :

  The monthly cost of the student housing option will be ∼INR 53,000 to ∼INR 95,000.

Also Read: What aspirants must know before studying PhD in the UK

How to find affordable student accommodation in London and other cities?

It is important to plan and conduct extensive research to find the right student accommodation within your budget in the UK. For instance, search for student accommodation in Cambridge if you have applied to the University of Cambridge in the UK. Next, you have to decide on the type of accommodation. Explore local newspapers, social networking websites, and other online resources to find the right housing option.
It is advised to start searching for student accommodation in England or other cities when you are in your home country and not to leave this task for the last moment. Moreover, carry out any financial transaction for booking the apartment once you reach the host country. Lastly, be careful of scams during the house hunting process.
So, start planning for your academic journey to the UK today! If you are facing any financial challenges, you can opt for a study loan for abroad education. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loan that covers the holistic cost of education, like tuition fees, accommodation costs, travelling, and other education-related expenses. Get in touch with us to know more about education loans, education loan rate of interest and the loan documentation process!