International Student Accommodation in the UK: The Complete Guide
Moving to a new country is stressful enough. Finding somewhere to live shouldn't be impossible.
I've put together everything international students need to know about finding accommodation in the UK - from guarantor requirements to visa considerations.
The Big Challenge: UK Guarantors
Let's address the elephant in the room.
Many UK landlords and providers ask for a UK-based guarantor - someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can't. This is a problem if your family is overseas.
Here's how to get around it:
Option 1: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
This is the easiest route for international students.
Most PBSA providers (Unite Students, iQ, Host, etc.) don't require UK guarantors for international students. Instead, they typically ask for:
- Full rent upfront (or per semester)
- Larger deposit
- Proof of student visa or CAS letter
- University offer letter
Providers that are international-student friendly:
- ✅ Unite Students - No UK guarantor required
- ✅ iQ Student Accommodation - Accepts overseas guarantors
- ✅ Host - International-friendly payment plans
- ✅ Scape - Premium but flexible for internationals
- ✅ Amber Student - Specifically designed for international bookings
Option 2: Guarantor Services
If you want private accommodation but have no UK guarantor, you can pay for a guarantor service:
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Hand | £300-400 | Most established |
| UK Guarantor | 3-5% of annual rent | Percentage-based |
| Guarantid | £200-350 | Newer service |
Is it worth it? For most international students, PBSA without a guarantor is simpler and often cheaper overall.
Option 3: Paying Rent Upfront
Some landlords will waive the guarantor requirement if you pay 6-12 months rent in advance. This works but ties up a lot of cash.
Visa Considerations
Your Student Visa affects your accommodation options:
Before you arrive:
- You can book accommodation with just your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter
- No need to wait for actual visa stamp
- PBSA providers are used to this
After arrival:
- Register with police if required (check your BRP for conditions)
- Get your BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit)
- Open a UK bank account (needed for paying rent)
Important: Some private landlords may want to see your BRP card as part of Right to Rent checks. PBSA providers handle this more smoothly.
Payment Options for International Students
This is where it gets practical.
How to Pay From Overseas
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wise (TransferWise) | Low fees, real exchange rate | Need to set up account |
| Bank transfer | Direct, familiar | High fees, bad rates |
| Credit card | Instant, protected | Foreign transaction fees |
| Flywire | Designed for students | Only some providers accept it |
My recommendation: Set up a Wise account before you travel. It gives you a UK bank account number and lets your family send money with minimal fees.
Payment Plans
Many PBSA providers offer installment plans for international students:
- Semester payment: Pay half upfront, half in January
- Quarterly: Four payments throughout the year
- Monthly: Sometimes available but may require guarantor
Ask specifically about international student payment plans when booking.
City Cost Comparison for International Students
Your budget matters more when you're paying in a foreign currency. Here's what cities cost:
| City | Avg Rent/Week | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| London | £347 | Career opportunities, big city experience |
| Manchester | £241 | Large international community |
| Birmingham | £179 | Central location, diverse |
| Sheffield | £104 | Best value, friendly city |
| Glasgow | £218 | Scottish culture, good unis |
What to Look for as an International Student
Beyond price, consider:
1. Distance to Campus You probably won't have a car. Look for accommodation within walking distance or on good bus routes.
2. Airport Connections If you'll be flying home for holidays, consider how easy it is to reach the airport. Properties near good transport links save money and stress.
3. Safety Check our safety data for your area. As someone new to the country, you want a safe neighbourhood.
4. Community Some buildings have more international students than others. If you want to meet people from home or practice English, consider this when choosing.
5. Cooking Facilities If you want to cook food from home, make sure you have good kitchen facilities. Studios give you a private kitchen; en-suites mean shared kitchens.
Common Mistakes International Students Make
Learn from others' experiences:
❌ Booking without seeing the property Use virtual tours and video calls. Don't trust photos alone.
❌ Not understanding the contract UK tenancy agreements can be confusing. Make sure you understand:
- Contract length (usually 44-51 weeks)
- Notice period for cancellation
- What happens if your visa is rejected
❌ Arriving without a UK phone number Get a UK SIM card before you arrive (many work internationally) or use an e-SIM. You'll need it for verification.
❌ Not registering with a GP Healthcare is free in the UK for students. Register with a doctor early - don't wait until you're ill.
❌ Exchanging money at airports Airport exchange rates are terrible. Use Wise, Revolut, or similar.
Booking Timeline for International Students
Start earlier than UK students - you have more complexity.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 6-8 months before | Start researching cities and accommodation options |
| 4-6 months before | Apply for accommodation (once you have CAS/offer) |
| 3-4 months before | Pay deposit, arrange payment plan |
| 2 months before | Set up UK bank account (Wise/Monzo work internationally) |
| 1 month before | Confirm move-in date, arrange airport pickup if needed |
Useful Resources
- UKCISA - UK Council for International Student Affairs
- Your university's international office - They often have accommodation partnerships
- Your country's student society - Connect with students already there
Search international-friendly accommodation →
This guide is based on experiences of international students across the UK. Rules and requirements change - always check with your specific provider and university.