UK · CHAPTER 13
Student housingin the UK.
First-year international students usually choose university halls or private purpose-built student accommodation. Shared houses are cheaper later. In England, most tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks' rent and must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
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Options
| Option | London / month | Elsewhere / month |
|---|---|---|
| University halls | £900–1,500 | £550–900 |
| Private student accommodation | £1,100–1,800 | £650–1,100 |
| Shared house (room) | £800–1,200 | £450–700 |
Protect yourself
- Landlords must check your Right to Rent (share code).
- Deposits must be protected in an approved scheme.
- Never pay to someone who will not show the property or a contract.
- Read what bills are included.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Halls, private halls or a shared house
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| University halls | Easy from India, bills included, near campus | Limited rooms, apply early |
| Private student halls (PBSA) | Modern, bills included, guarantors not needed | More expensive |
| Shared house | Cheapest, more independence | Usually needs a UK guarantor or rent upfront; best after year one |
| Homestay | Meals included, family setting | Less independence |
Before you sign
- View the property (in person or by live video)
- Read the tenancy agreement — length, notice, bills
- Check the landlord or agency is real (registered, reviews, company number)
- Never send money by gift card or to a personal account abroad
- Get the deposit protection certificate within 30 days
- Prove your Right to Rent with your eVisa share code
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Many private landlords ask for one. International students often use university halls, purpose-built student accommodation, a guarantor service, or pay several months' rent upfront.
As soon as you accept your offer; popular university halls and affordable private halls fill up by spring or early summer.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
First weeks in the UK
After arriving in the UK: enrol, check your eVisa, register with a GP, open a bank account, get a SIM and a railcard.
UK GUIDE
Fees & cost of living
UK tuition fees for international students, £558 visa, health surcharge and monthly living costs in London and other UK cities for 2026–27.
UK GUIDE
Safety, wellbeing & emergencies
Emergency numbers, NHS 111, mental-health support, the High Commission of India, scams aimed at students and how to report hate crime in the UK.
FROM INDIA
Scams & emergencies abroad
Study abroad fraud warnings for Indian students: fake agents, offer letters and visas, forex and job scams, plus lost passports and emergencies abroad.
FRANCE
Settle in France
Housing, residence permit, bank, health cover and daily life once you land in France.
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Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
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