The Postgraduate's Guide to Student Accommodation (It's Different)

You're not 18 anymore.

The idea of shared bathrooms, fire alarms at 3am because someone burnt toast, and living next to freshers who pregame until midnight? No thanks.

Postgraduate accommodation needs are fundamentally different. Here's what actually matters when you're doing a masters or PhD.

Why Postgrad Accommodation is Different

Undergrads want:

• Social atmosphere
• Close to nightlife
• Cheapest possible
• Big communal areas

Postgrads want:

• Quiet study environment
• Privacy
• Mature neighbours
• Flexible contracts
• Proximity to labs/libraries

Different priorities = different property choices.

The Studio Question

Let's address this first: should you get a studio?

Pros of Studios:

• Complete privacy
• No flatmate drama
• Own kitchen (cook when you want)
• Own bathroom (no queues)
• Control your own space
• Usually quieter buildings

Cons of Studios:

• More expensive (£180-350/week vs £120-200 for shared)
• Can feel isolating
• Smaller space
• Less social by default

My Take:

If you're doing a 1-year masters, a studio makes sense. You're there to study, you probably have a partner or friends outside uni, and you don't need forced socialising.

If you're starting a 3-4 year PhD, consider starting in shared accommodation to build a social network, then move to a studio later when you know people.

What to Look For (Postgrad Priorities)

1. Postgrad-Only or Mature Student Buildings

Some providers have buildings specifically for postgrads and mature students. These tend to have:

• Quieter atmosphere
• More serious residents
• Better study spaces
• Fewer fire alarm incidents

Ask specifically: "Is this building primarily postgraduates?" Don't assume.

2. Quiet Hours Policy

Freshers halls often have minimal quiet hours enforcement. Postgrad buildings typically have stricter policies.

What to ask: "What are the quiet hours? How are they enforced?"

3. Study Spaces

When your dissertation is due, you need somewhere to work that isn't your bed.

Look for:

• Dedicated study rooms
• Library-style quiet areas
• Bookable meeting rooms (for supervision meetings)
• Good WiFi throughout

4. Shorter/Flexible Contracts

Masters courses often run September-September. Standard 51-week contracts work fine.

But what if you finish early? Or need to extend?

What to ask:

• Can I leave early if I finish my course?
• Can I extend month-by-month if needed?
• What's the cancellation policy?

5. Proximity to Your Department (Not Just "Campus")

Undergrads care about being close to the main campus. Postgrads care about being close to THEIR department.

If you're a humanities PhD, being near the library matters more than being near the gym. If you're a lab scientist, being near your lab matters more than being near the student union.

Do this: Map the walking route from the property to YOUR specific building.

The Couples/Partners Situation

Many postgrads have partners. This changes everything.

Options:

1. Couples Studios Some providers offer larger studios designed for two people. Typically £200-400/week.

2. Private Rentals Often better value for couples. A 1-bed flat might cost £800-1200/month total - split between two, that's £100-150/week each.

3. University Family Housing Some universities have dedicated housing for students with families. Usually waitlisted but worth checking.

The Visa Consideration

If you're international and your partner is joining on a dependent visa, confirm:

• Does the accommodation allow non-student residents?
• Is the lease in your name acceptable for visa purposes?
• What documentation can they provide?

The Budget Reality

Postgrad accommodation costs more because you need more.

Budget 20-30% more than you'd spend as an undergrad. The extra cost buys:

• Privacy
• Quiet
• Better study environment
• Mental health preservation

Worth it? When you're writing a thesis, absolutely.

Cities with Good Postgrad Options

Some cities have better postgrad-specific accommodation:

London: Most providers have postgrad floors/buildings. Essential given the cost.

Oxford/Cambridge: High demand, book early. College accommodation often available for postgrads.

Edinburgh: Strong postgrad community, several postgrad-focused buildings.

Manchester/Leeds/Birmingham: Growing postgrad populations, more options than before.

Smaller cities: Often harder to find postgrad-specific. Consider private rentals.

Red Flags for Postgrads

Avoid properties with:

• High fresher population
• Party reputation
• Poor sound insulation (reviews mentioning noise)
• No study spaces
• Mandatory social events
• Distance from your department

My Recommendations by Situation

1-year Masters, single, social: Postgrad shared accommodation. Meet other masters students, have social options, save money vs studio.

1-year Masters, single, focused: Studio in a postgrad building. Maximum focus, minimum distraction.

1-year Masters, with partner: Private 1-bed flat. Better value and independence.

PhD, first year: Postgrad shared. Build your social network first.

PhD, year 2+: Studio or private flat. You know people now, prioritise writing space.

International with family: University family housing (if available) or private 2-bed flat.

The Application Timeline

Postgrad accommodation books FAST. Many postgrads know their offers earlier than undergrads and book immediately.

Timeline:

• January-March: Best selection for September start
• April-May: Good options still available
• June-July: Getting picked over
• August: Scrambling for leftovers

If you have a conditional offer, book provisionally. Most providers allow cancellation if your course falls through.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

1. What percentage of residents are postgrads?
2. What are the quiet hours and how are they enforced?
3. Are there dedicated study spaces?
4. Can I leave early if I finish my course?
5. Is the WiFi suitable for large file transfers/video calls?
6. Can my partner stay/live with me?
7. What's the building's average age demographic?

The Bottom Line

Postgrad accommodation isn't about finding the cheapest room near campus. It's about finding an environment where you can actually write a thesis.

Pay more for quality. Your mental health and academic success depend on having a proper place to live and work.

Find postgrad-friendly accommodation →

Last updated: January 2026.

Disclaimer: Personal opinions. Verify details with specific providers.