ScholarshipUnion|Guides
2026 Edition

Student Accommodation
in the United Kingdom

Explore housing types, spot scams, and calculate your real move-in costs with our interactive tools.

Last updated: March 21, 2026

Housing Types

Click a card to see pros, cons, and price range.

Scam Spotter Checklist

Toggle each red flag you spot. If 2+ are checked, walk away.

Average Rent by City

Housing Search Timeline

6 months before: Research

Shortlist cities, check university halls deadlines, join Facebook housing groups.

4 months before: Apply for halls

Most university halls have March-May deadlines. Apply as early as possible.

2-3 months before: Private search

Start browsing SpareRoom, Rightmove, OpenRent. Book virtual viewings if you are abroad.

1 month before: Sign and pay

Sign tenancy agreement, pay deposit (usually 5 weeks rent), arrange contents insurance.

Move-in Cost Calculator

Deposit (5 weeks)
£750
First month rent
£600
Contents insurance
£60
Total move-in
£1,410

Based on average outside-London private rental. London will be significantly higher.

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