University Accommodation in UK for International Students

Are you planning to study abroad in the United Kingdom? If yes, then university accommodation could be one of the greatest assets that come along with your acceptance into your chosen university. But what are the chances of you securing that university accommodation? Several factors are involved that help international students get admitted to university accommodation. But is it on a first come first serve basis? We answer your questions in our blog, ‘University Accommodation in the UK for International Students. Continue reading to know more.

Factors that Determine Choice of Accommodation

First and foremost, what are the factors that will largely determine your choice of accommodation? Some of the factors are listed below:

1. Availability of Halls of Residence

Halls of Residence are associated with the university, which is a great way to meet new people. Student halls are the areas where first-year students typically live. If you are a student who’s applying to a UK university, the main factor of university accommodation is going to depend on whether the university or college has an association with Residence for students or not.

2. University Location 

The next thing that makes up your choice of university accommodation is the place where your university is situated in. For example, there are multiple university accommodations available in London. It largely depends on the area and region your university or college is located.

3. Budget 

One of the major factors in getting university accommodation as an option is the availability of an appropriate budget in your hands. University accommodations are usually not that affordable for students who might struggle with the cost of living abroad, like in most cases. So funding of the right kind might majorly decide on your option of acquiring university accommodation.

Finding accommodation options in the UK? You will also enjoy reading our blog about Exploring Student Life in the UK.

How Does University Accommodation Work?

Usually, Halls of residence or student halls come under university accommodation in UK. These places of residence are usually located closer to campus. As every university has its own way of providing accommodation to its students, we compile a general idea.

1. First, you will need to apply for university accommodation through the university accommodation office for a place in the halls of residence.
2. Apply for a few different halls.
3. Rate the halls in your order of preference.
4. Check the particular university’s website for more information on their university accommodation

Now, as the fourth point says, and it’s understandable, that each university has its own details on accommodation, let’s check out two universities, and take them as an example of how university accommodation work.

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Applying for University Accommodation

The two universities are as follows:

Universities	Steps to be Followed
The University of Sheffield	1. Register yourself as an international student on the website’s site. 2. Set up your applicant University IT account. 3. After you receive your offer, you will be sent an email to get access to MUSE, the members’ area of the university’s website. 4. Set up your MUSE account. 5. Finally, log in to MUSE and start your application for university accommodation.
University of Bristol	1. To apply for university accommodation, you need to have an offer letter. 2. Register on the university’s Accommodation Portal. 3. Add the student number of the University of Bristol that you received in your letter from the university. Continue to add your email address. 5. Click submit to complete your registration. 6. Log in to the Accommodation portal and go to “Apply for student accommodation”. 7. You will be allocated a room and a place of residence. Fill out all the remaining details. Complete your application for accommodation.

Things to Consider While Choosing University Accommodation 

Some key things to look out for, while you’re on the university website for university accommodation, are as follows:

1. The Cost of All Things Involved

Though prices of accommodation depending on the place and what is included in the accommodation package, you need to make sure that all options are included and you don’t have to pay extra charges for things like a TV license and insurance. Make sure to factor those in.

2. The Accommodation Package

You should make sure to check that the accommodation has all the options involved as per your suitability. For example, if the bathroom is attached, shared, or a common one. Check what’s the right fit for you and arrange the residence(s) in your order of preference.

3. Commute Or Not 

Also, check if the university accommodation in the UK is on-campus or at a distance from the campus. If it’s the latter, how will you commute to the place? Make notes of the same and plan your budget. Make sure to be aware of everything while you are at submitting the application for university accommodation in UK.

4. Read Rules and Regulations

Additionally, we also recommend that you check what kinds of things you can bring with you to the halls of residence and whether they are permitted by the university or not. Read all the rules and regulations while you’re at it and then apply for university accommodation.

Cost of University Accommodation for International Students

The monthly cost, region-wise, and university-wise, of university accommodation for international students in UK, are as follows:

Region-Wise

Monthly cost in London (in INR)	Monthly cost in other cities (in INR)
61 thousand	43,000

University-Wise 

University Name	Average Cost of University Accommodation
Coventry University	£400- £600/month (INR 37,000 – 56,000) (inclusive of all bills)
York Univerisity	£99-£206/weekly (INR 9,000 – 19,000)
University of Sussex	£513-£764/month (INR 48,000 – 71,000)
The University of Southampton	£540/month (INR 50,000)
Imperial College of London	£907/month (INR 85,000)

Pros and Cons of University Accommodation for International Students 

Every pro has a con, so we are here to share with you a few pros and cons of university accommodation in UK for international students.

Pros	Cons
Being very social places, they are a great place to make lots of friends and meet new people.	Their wide popularity means you are not guaranteed a place in the residence. The demand is too high.
All water and electricity bills are included, you don’t have to worry about paying all utility expenses, separately.	If you are new to living with groups of people, it might be hard for you to initially adjust to the environment.

Top University Accommodation in UK for International Students

Below is a list of the most recommended university accommodation in UK for international students:

Name of University	Recommended Percentage
Loughborough University	99%
Nottingham Trent University	98%
University of Oxford	96%
Aston University	97%
University of Leeds	96%

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