How to Save Money on Student Accommodation in the UK?
Looking for budget-friendly student accommodation in the UK? According to the NatWest Student Living Index, the average UK student rent costs over £7,000 per year outside London and £12,000 in London, making it the most significant expense for students apart from tuition fees. To help students lead a hassle-free life, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to save money on your student accommodation. Let’s check together to begin a perfect university experience in the UK!
1. Start Your Search Early
Wondering when you can get the best deals on student accommodation in the UK? The answer is the earlier, the better. In fact, the private student housing market for the following academic year usually opens as early as October and November. Most private landlords and letting agents begin to promote their properties with incentives such as low price tags or discounts for early bookings.
Most students will start searching and booking between January and May, but prices are likely to increase as demand rises. The closer it is to the start of the academic term, the higher the price will be. Therefore, that’s why you’re usually asked to search earlier, although student lettings will be available throughout the year.
2. Plan Your Budget
For students who study away from home, it is always crucial to plan their budget to avoid overspending. The average student accommodation in the UK varies significantly by city, but typically ranges between £150 and £260 per week, with university-owned halls averaging around £160 per week. The cost will also vary by room type and location in the same country. For example, the trustworthy platform uhomes.com offers private Cardiff student accommodation, with en-suite rooms costing £120-£221 per week and studios costing £200-£300 per week. Thus, conduct detailed research to determine your preferred room type and location, then compare relevant housing options to make a budget, and stick to it when finding your future home.
3. Compare University and Private Options
Most universities in the UK will accommodate halls for first-year students with a confirmed offer who apply within the deadlines. Usually, university-managed housing is affordable and suitable for new students who want to join the campus community. University dorms typically offer options such as standard rooms (shared bathroom facilities), en-suite rooms (private bathrooms), and a few also provide studios for private living. Both catered and self-catered options are offered for students to choose from. Opting for university halls is always budget-friendly and convenient, but options and amenities are limited.
Private student accommodation is becoming increasingly popular among students, providing them with greater independence and privacy. There are purpose-built student accommodations for students only, usually located close to campus, and come with modern amenities and safety measures. They provide almost the same convenience and community environment as living on campus, like you can find at private Imperial College London accommodation at uhomes.com, and they usually offer various discounts for students. Additionally, there are many built-to-rent apartments, flats, or shared houses available for rent, which may vary significantly in terms of amenities and prices, but also offer numerous affordable housing options.
4. Use uhomes.com
If you’re looking for private student accommodation in London, uhomes.com is the easiest way to secure the perfect home away from home. As a professional student housing platform, we offer a diverse range of rooms, from purpose-built student accommodations to shared houses and modern apartments, providing students with a range of options to study in the UK. With numerous room types and proximity to campus, your preference and convenience will be ensured. To ensure your booking is hassle-free, we provide 100% verified listings, a price-match guarantee, and a one-on-one professional consultant.
One of the major highlights for uhomes.com is our various discounts and cost-effective rooms. Students will enjoy early bird discounts, high cashback for group bookings, re-bookings, and referring friends. Moreover, through in-depth cooperation with local property providers, uhomes.com offers exclusive and popular properties that are not just rooms. For example, if you’re searching for University of Nottingham accommodation, you can enjoy uhomes.com’s exclusive offers for Nottingham Two, Bridgeside, iQ Newland House, and more best-rated accommodations near the University of Nottingham.
5. Consider Shared Accommodation
Shared accommodation is always the most affordable room type, and the best way to save money on rent. If you enjoy living in a group or within a student community, consider choosing a shared flat or apartment to split the rent and utilities. Also, if you already have friends or classmates, you can rent a flat with them. By opting for shared accommodation, you can not only make friends but also save costs on:
- Reduced rent and utilities
- Shared household items
- Shared groceries and supplies
6. Live Outside City Centre
Apart from room type, location is also a significant factor that decides the rent of student accommodation. The cost of student accommodation in central London is more expensive than in other areas of the city. In central areas like Bloomsbury and King’s Cross, the price can exceed £800 per week for a studio room. In other affordable areas, such as Bethnal Green and Holloway, studios may cost around £300 to £400 per week. Many popular student hubs outside the city centre enjoy not only cheap rents, but also amenities students like, and convenient public transport links.
7. Negotiate Your Rent
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your landlord when booking student housing. There will always be more room for negotiation than you can imagine, especially if you’re booking for the long term, subletting a room from others, or from private landlords. In addition to a lower price, try to ask for additional perks like free utilities, free WiFi, free furnishings and appliances.
8. Reduce Utility Bills
The average cost of utilities for student accommodation in the UK ranges from £110 to £170 per month, including gas, electricity, water, and internet. University-owned student halls will include utility fees, and student accommodations on uhomes.com are all-inclusive to help you save money. If you’re looking for private housing, remember to check whether utilities and WiFi are included in the rent to avoid extra expenses.
9. Utilize Student Discounts
Do you know what discounts you can enjoy when booking student accommodation? With uhomes.com, booking in advance will enable you to enjoy early bird discounts. Group bookings, rebookings, and referring a friend will also benefit from high cashback offers. More discounts for different properties are also available from time to time. Even for some of the most popular student accommodations, you will find exclusive offers to enjoy with uhomes.com. Always check the latest discounts and ask for more with your consultants before booking.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK might be expensive, but you can save a lot of money on the first step - finding student accommodation. First, determine your budget and start your search early to take advantage of the best deals. Then compare different housing options and consider shared accommodation, or live outside the city centre. Negotiate your rent and check whether utilities are included and student discounts when booking. Finally, using uhomes.com to make everything easy!
