Types of accommodation
Our guide to choosing the best type of accommodation for you and your needs as a Chevening Scholar in the UK.
It can be difficult to choose between the different accommodation types on offer in the UK. On this page, we have put together a rundown of the key features that differentiate the main accommodation types that students in the UK typically live in, we have also shared some top tips on finding each accommodation type.
University accommodation
Most universities provide housing for students. They can be in large buildings called halls of residence or in apartments or houses owned by the university. Your university can give you more information about their housing options.
- You will usually be allotted a room inside the halls of residence. These usually have a bed, a cupboard, a desk, and desk chair. Some also have a sink in the room and some have their own attached bathroom. In other cases, you may need to share a bathroom with your ‘flatmates’.
- Some university halls of residence are catered (meaning you can have meals provided in a shared dining room or space), others are self-catered (meaning you will cook for yourself, usually in a shared kitchen with other students).
- Some university accommodation is just for postgraduate or international students, and there might be places for only men or women.
- Make sure you reply quickly to any messages from your university about housing, follow their instructions, and meet their deadlines (as university accommodation often gets booked up quickly!).
- If you choose university housing, you’ll likely have to stay there for a whole academic year, and it’s hard to leave once you’ve signed the contract. So, research your options well before committing.
- Check that the rental period covers your whole time studying in the UK.
- Some university accommodation rent payments are split into three or four instalments throughout the year, rather than being paid monthly. If you are asked to pay upfront rent payments, either in full or termly instalments, you should ask your accommodation provider to allow you to make monthly payments and share your Final Award Letter with them as proof of your monthly stipend.
Other halls of residence
This is accommodation specifically built for students but owned privately (i.e not by your university). Privately-owned student residences are available in many cities. Ask the accommodation office at your university for details of those in your area.
- These will share many of the features of university accommodation.
- You may have more options to choose exactly the accommodation you want (i.e shared or en-suite bathroom, type of room etc.)
- If you will be attending a university in London, please note that the University of London, which comprises 17 London based universities, has its own halls of residence.
- You may also wish to consider other options for student housing such as Goodenough College and International Student House.
Private accommodation
Many university cities or towns have a range of private accommodation options available, from shared houses for groups of students to studio apartments for one student. Please be aware that if you choose to live in private accommodation, it is at your own risk.
- Contact the accommodation office at your university for advice in the first instance. They are likely to have a list of trusted landlords or a scheme that approves properties.
- We strongly recommend that you do not sign any private accommodation contracts without first viewing the property and without first asking the housing adviser at your university to check the contract. Many accommodation providers offer virtual tours.
- Helpful websites for finding private accommodation in the UK include Spareroom and Rightmove.
- If you are looking for accommodation in London, the University of London Housing Services are a valuable resource. Their website gives details of private housing available in London with registered landlords. They also provide a contract-checking service.
- Make sure you know who your landlord/lady is and the best way to contact them. If you found your accommodation through a letting agent, ask them who you should contact if you have any issues with the property (e.g about rent payments, repairs etc.).
- When you first move into the property, check the inventory list and make note of any prior damage to the property so you can report it immediately are not charged for this when you leave.
- If your landlord or landlady comes to visit the property once you have moved in, they should let you know in advance.
