How to Find Accommodation in UK for Indian Students?

How to Find Accommodation in UK for Indian Students?

Reading Time 5 minutes/Published 20-1-2024

International students looking to study in the UK, will look forward to the experience and be aware of the tasks on hand. One of the important tasks is finding accommodation in the UK for Indian students. It may seem difficult, but this blog helps students find suitable accommodation. This way, Indian students can be prepared for the task as soon as they arrive or sooner.

This blog will discuss the types of accommodations, where to find them, the costs, and the pros and cons of various UK accommodations for international students. After reading it, Indian students will be better prepared to find their accommodation while studying in the UK.

 

Types of Accommodation in UK for Indian Students

There are a variety of accommodation options in the UK for international students. Each one varies in terms of cost and convenience. When speaking broadly about accommodation in the UK, there are two main options. These are on and off-campus accommodations.

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation in the UK for international students refers to all accommodation options present on the university campus. Since these are on the campus, the university manages them. These can be shared or private rooms.

Private rooms are individualised rooms with shared facilities, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry appliances. Shared rooms are those accommodations where everything is shared. Students will have roommates and shared facilities as well.

Off-Campus Accommodation

As the name suggests, this accommodation is not on the university campus but may be nearby. These are situated way outside the university premises, mostly in the city.

The off-campus accommodation options include Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and private residences. PBSAs are accommodation in the UK for international students and students from far UK cities. Private Residences are usually privately held and located off campus, closer to the city.

While researching UK accommodation for international students, look at the Cost of Studying in the UK In 2024

 

How to Find Accommodation in UK for Indian Students?

International students, including Indian students, can find accommodation in the UK using multiple effective methods.

  • University Resources
    The university would be a good place to start an accommodation search. Universities usually provide some help in searching for accommodation. University staff would also be able to provide real-life experience in searching for and managing accommodation.
  • Housing Agencies
    Students can approach agencies that specialise in finding Indian student accommodation in London and all over the UK. Also, students are most likely to find accommodation in their budget rapidly with a housing agency.

Another advantage of choosing an agency is that they can act as an intermediate between students and landlords.

  • Word of Mouth
    Another option available to find accommodation in the UK for international students is word of mouth. It may sound unconventional, but it is an option if you have several local UK friends.

The information spreads, and students can benefit from the large network of friends and fellow students.

  • Internet – Social Media & House Rental Platforms
    With new technologies being available today, even the internet is a great place for accommodation search. There are specialised websites to help find Indian student accommodation in London or elsewhere. Students can use filters to narrow down their search to particular costs or localities.

Also, social media can play an important role in finding anything, accommodation included. Students can keep their eyes open for any rental advertisements on popular social media platforms.

 

How to Choose the Best Accommodation in UK for Indian Students?

Moving to a new country and finding the best accommodation may not be the simplest of tasks. Indian students studying in the UK can choose on-campus or off-campus accommodation. While choosing their off-campus accommodation, these are a few pointers to the right accommodation.

Location

The number one factor to consider for Indian student accommodation in London or elsewhere is location. Students who don’t plan to visit the city often may find it better to live on campus if they find it affordable.

However, students with part-time jobs in the city and travel there regularly won’t find on-campus accommodation fit. For them, their accommodation should be close to both the university and the city centre. This particular location would reduce transport costs and save time.

Cost

The next big factor to consider is affordability. Accommodation can greatly affect the living expenses of international students. This makes accommodation choices even more important for students.

  • Accommodation in the UK for Indian students becomes more affordable when students choose to live slightly out of the popular areas. 
  • Also, choosing to live with a few housemates does divide the rent bill and increase affordability.
  • Smaller homes are more affordable.
  • Conducting a broad search is important to find the best accommodation that ticks all the boxes.
  • The cheapest accommodation isn’t always the best!
  • Look at the long-term picture, and choose accommodation that you will be able to afford for a longer period. There is no point in renting a place that will not be affordable after a few months.

Safety

When in an international country as a student, safety is always important. That said, UK accommodation for international students should be chosen with safety in mind. Extremely remote locations on the city outskirts are not ideal, and students will be safer in mildly populous areas.

Personal Requirements

Other particular requirements may influence the choice of accommodation for students. Examples of these personal requirements are:

  • Furnished rooms
  • Neighbours and landlord
  • Transport connectivity 
  • Rent agreement

Based on these requirements, students can find accommodation that suits them well.

 

Cost of Accommodation in UK for Indian Students

There are a variety of factors affecting accommodation in the UK. Based on these factors, student accommodation costs will vary greatly. If looking for the cost of accommodation in the UK for international students, the city can indicate average costs.

Accommodation costs vary from city to city. Here are the average off-campus accommodation prices in UK cities.

City Monthly Average Cost (in GBP)
Brighton800 – 1300
Birmingham700 – 1200
Edinburgh700 – 1000
Glasgow800 – 1000 
London1100 – 1300 
Manchester850 – 1100 
Oxford1100 – 1700
Portsmouth 400 – 800 

More popular cities are more expensive and would naturally attract higher monthly rentals. This is why Indian student accommodation in London is higher than most other cities in the UK. Less popular and populated cities will have lower living expenses, including rent for accommodation.

There is also a great difference between the monthly rental amount of a one-bedroom flat and a three-bedroom flat. A one-bedroom flat costs an average of 600 – 800 GBP per month. A three-bedroom flat costs an average of 900 – 1300 GBP per month.

Looking to save money while studying in the UK? Find out if you can study in the UK on a scholarship.

Opting for a three-bedroom flat isn’t a bad idea. This is true if you have a friend or two who won’t mind sharing accommodation.

 

On-Campus vs Off-Campus: Accommodation in UK for Indian Students

There is often a debate about which form of accommodation is better for Indian students studying in the UK. The truth is that both have advantages and disadvantages. Each student can choose their preferred accommodation based on particular requirements.

Off-Campus Accommodation Pros

  • Provides flexibility 
  • Opportunity to share expenses with housemates
  • Ability to experience local culture and life 
  • Greater part-time work opportunities

Did you know that Indian students can study and work part-time in the UK?

Off-Campus Accommodation Cons

  • Take a lot of searching to find the best accommodation
  • Possibility of attracting unexpected costs
  • Travel expenses can increase 
  • Missing out on-campus experiences

On-Campus Accommodation Pros

  • Close to the university, offering convenience
  • Ability to socialise with other international students
  • No additional accommodation fees 
  • Lower living expenses

On-Campus Accommodation Cons

  • No opportunity to experience UK city life 
  • Limited privacy and personal space
  • Fewer part-time opportunities 
  • Limited availability due to high demand and limited accommodation

 Still looking for a university? Here are a  few of the best universities to study in the UK for Indians

 

Why Choose The WorldGrad To Study in UK

The WorldGrad is an expert in overseas education. We provide opportunities for Indian students to pursue their education abroad through partnerships with multiple universities in the UK.

Students can pick from multiple options to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in globally ranked universities.

Advantages of Choosing The WorldGrad Your Education Provider

The WorldGrad provides an excellent way to pursue education dreams in the UK. Our Smart Programs, the Global Year 1, Global Online Accelerator, UniSmarter, and UniSmarter Pre-Masters Programs, are the best way to start your journey in the UK.

  • Through our programs, students can save large amounts of money on tuition fees and even living expenses. This helps to provide the best accommodation in the UK for international students. 
  • Students who choose our Smart Programs can make a seamless transition from India to the UK over some time. This allows students to get a feel of studies in the UK before actually relocating there. 
  • Another advantage our students have is a higher visa success rate due to their education commitment.

 

Summary

Accommodation in the UK for Indian students is available in the form of on-campus and off-campus accommodation. Students can choose their preferences according to their budget, requirements, location, and more. Prior research and early booking are key to finding the best accommodation in UK. For Indian students, a variety of sources can be utilised to find their accommodation.

 

Accommodation in UK for Indian Students FAQs 

Q.1 What is the cost of accommodation in the UK for Indian students?
A.1 Indian students can expect to pay anywhere between 700 and 1200 GBP per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the UK.

Q.2 What is the most reliable way to find UK accommodation for international students?
A.2 Accommodation is an important factor in abroad study, and finding it fast is crucial. There are many ways to find UK accommodation for International students such as websites, word of mouth, university staff, and housing agencies.

Q.3 Does it work out cheaper to share accommodation in the UK?
A.3 Yes, it is cheaper to share accommodation in the UK. Various expenses, such as rent and utilities, can be equally shared. This will greatly bring down the cost of living for all of the students.

Q.4 Is it easy to find accommodation in UK cities in 2024?
A.4 Indian students can use multiple sources to find off-campus accommodation in the UK. Alternatively, there is also the option of choosing on-campus accommodation.

Q.5 Which is the cheapest city in the UK for an Indian student?
A.5 Accommodation in London is the most expensive while Brighton, Portsmouth, and other less popular cities are the cheapest.