Postgraduate Housing in the UK: What You Need to Know Before You Move In

When you’re finishing your undergrad degree and moving into postgraduate housing, the type of accommodation specifically designed for students pursuing master’s degrees or PhDs in the UK. Also known as postgrad accommodation, it’s often different from undergrad halls—quieter, sometimes off-campus, and rarely cheap. You’re not just looking for a bed anymore. You’re looking for a place that won’t drain your budget, won’t turn into a pest colony, and won’t leave you confused about who pays for what when the bills arrive.

Most postgraduate housing, private or university-managed housing for students beyond their first degree comes with a catch: rent can jump every year. Landlords don’t need to give you a year’s notice, and some increase rent by 10% or more just because you’re renewing. That’s why knowing your rights matters. You’re still a tenant under UK law, even if your place is called a "postgrad flat." You can challenge unfair increases, and some student unions even help you negotiate. And if your place has mice, cockroaches, or mold? That’s not normal—it’s the landlord’s responsibility to fix it. You don’t need to pay for pest control yourself, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Then there’s the money side. utility bills, the monthly costs for gas, electricity, and water in student housing can sneak up on you. Some places include them. Most don’t. And if you’re on a water meter? You pay for what you use—but only if you’re smart about it. A long shower or leaving taps running adds up fast. Same with heating. Students who bundle their bills, switch providers, or use direct debits often save 30% or more. And don’t forget: your NHS registration, GP access, and even free contraception are tied to your address. Your housing isn’t just where you sleep—it’s where you access healthcare, apply for benefits, and prove you’re living in the UK.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of fancy apartments or Instagram-worthy rooms. It’s the real stuff: how to handle rent hikes, how to spot a bad landlord before you sign, how to stop paying too much for water, and how to get rid of pests without spending your entire student loan. These are the posts students actually use—written by people who’ve lived it, not sold it.