by Setting foot on the academic path in the UK as an international student initiates a journey filled with excitement and transformation. However, beyond the thrill of education and cultural diversity, a pivotal aspect demands attention- the quest for a suitable accommodation.
With UK universities in great demand, many students from all over the world want to study in the UK, making it difficult to find a perfect living space. In this article, we will highlight the housing alternatives for an overseas student that they can opt for when pursuing their education in the UK.
Continue reading to find out what style of housing in the country best suits you!
Finding Somewhere to Live in the UK
Even if you decide to study in the UK at the last minute, you will still have living options to explore. However, for more flexibility in choosing the right fit for you, you need to give some time to research.
To help you get started, find below the main accommodation types in the United Kingdom:
On-Campus Student Accommodation
Most UK universities provide halls of residence, which range from single rooms with shared utilities to private studios. To assist students in identifying their individual needs, catered and self-catered halls are available. The catered halls include a shared dining room, and most meal prices are included in the rent. Self-catering halls, on the other hand, provide access to shared kitchens where you can cook your food.
On-campus accommodations are a safer choice for international students that offer value for money with additional services such as Wi-Fi and contents insurance already covered in the rent.
Off-Campus Student Accommodation:
In case you find it difficult to settle in an on-campus residence, then you can go for an off-campus living space managed by student housing agencies. This housing type typically includes private self-contained studious to shared apartments situated close to the campus. Off-campus student accommodation is typically fully furnished, followed by other facilities such as gyms, cinema rooms, etc. However, as private student accommodation is not offered by universities particularly, you are most likely to share it with students from other institutions.
Rental Housing Options
In this accommodation type, students get the opportunity to rent a single room within a house with shared common areas, such as a kitchen and living room or rent a private house all by themselves. This arrangement allows for a greater degree of independence and flexibility in choosing housemates. Students often move to privately rented accommodation for the remaining years of their studies after spending one year in on-campus student housing and being acquainted with campus life. However, those pursuing a masters in the UK typically choose a rental housing option for more flexibility in their academic tenure.
Even though most of the rented housing options are fully furnished, you need to look after additional factors such as arranging groceries, Wi-Fi expenses, travelling costs to your institution, etc.
Homestay Accommodation
Homestay allows international students to live with a local British family. In this arrangement, students rent a room in the family’s home and share common areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and, on occasion, bathrooms. The main advantage of a homestay is that it provides abroad students with a one-of-a-kind cultural experience by blending them into the local household. The host family may also provide meals, adding to the cultural immersion experience.
This housing choice is commonly chosen by those looking for a caring and safe environment in a foreign country.
Finally, once you’ve looked at all the convenient housing options in the UK, it’s not difficult to make an informed decision. You can choose the best living option based on your budget and additional needs.
If you require further help with student housing in the United Kingdom, you can contact abroad education counsellors, who specialize in addressing the living needs of international students.
