Student Accommodation in the UK: Where to Live, How to Save, and What to Avoid

When you start university in the UK, your student accommodation, the place you live while studying, often the biggest monthly expense after tuition. Also known as student housing, it’s not just a bed and a roof—it’s where you’ll sleep, study, cook, and sometimes panic before exams. Many students think renting is simple: find a place, sign a paper, pay rent. But it’s not that easy. Landlords can raise rent mid-year, deposits can vanish without explanation, and utility bills can explode if no one tracks usage. You need to know your rights before you even hand over your first payment.

Student tenancy rights, the legal protections you have as a renter in the UK, even if you’re under 18 are stronger than most students realize. You can’t be kicked out without notice. Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme. Landlords can’t charge you for normal wear and tear. And if your rent goes up, they need to follow strict rules—no surprise hikes just because they think you’re stuck. Student bills, including rent, electricity, water, and internet, often get lumped together but are legally separate. Some places include them in rent; others don’t. If you’re on your own, you’re responsible. If you’re with flatmates, someone has to set up direct debits—or everyone gets cut off.

It’s not just about contracts and cash. Where you live affects your grades, your sleep, your mental health. Living next to a noisy pub? You’ll struggle to focus. Sharing with five people who never clean? Stress spikes. A place with no heating in winter? That’s not just uncomfortable—it’s unhealthy. The best student accommodation isn’t the cheapest. It’s the one that lets you rest, study, and breathe.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve been there. Learn how to fight a rent increase without sounding like a complaint letter. Find out what’s actually included in your rent (and what’s not). See how to set up bills so you never get a surprise bill. Discover which housing scams to watch for—and how to spot them before you sign anything. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Glasgow, or Cardiff, these tips work everywhere in the UK.