Student Accommodation
A Parent’s Guide to Student Accommodation in the UK
Parent’s Guide to Student Accommodation in the UK (2025): Types, Costs & Expert Tips
5 mins read
Posted: 2025-05-29
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Helping Their Child Choose Safe, Affordable Student Housing
Sending your child off to university is a proud milestone-but one of the biggest concerns for UK parents is ensuring they have safe, affordable, and appropriate student accommodation. With many options available-ranging from university halls to private lets-it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
This 2025 parent's guide to student accommodation in the UK will walk you through everything from housing types to costs, safety, and legal considerations-so you can support your child confidently.
Why Student Accommodation Matters to Parents
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), over 530,000 new undergraduates enrolled in UK universities in 2023-2024. Of these, more than 70% moved away from home, creating a significant demand for housing.
Parental involvement is critical-especially in the first year-as students adapt to independent living.
A 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) found that students who felt supported in choosing their accommodation had 20% higher satisfaction scores overall.
Types of Student Accommodation in the UK (With Pros & Cons)
| Accommodation Type | Description | Pros | Cons | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Halls (Catered/Self-Catered) | Owned and managed by the university; ideal for first-year students. | Close to campus, social atmosphere, security. | May be noisy, less private. | £550 - £1,000 |
| Private Halls (PBSA) | Purpose-built private student blocks; usually all-inclusive. | High-quality facilities, dual occupancy, flexible options. | Can be expensive in big cities. | £800 - £1,600 |
| Shared Private Rentals | Renting a house/flat with other students via a letting agent or landlord. | More independence, often cheaper long-term. | Requires managing bills, dealing with landlords, deposits required. | £400 - £850 |
| Homestay | Living with a host family (more common for international students or foundation years). | Nurturing environment, meals included. | Less independence. | £500 - £800 |
| Family Accommodation | Offered by some universities for couples or students with dependents. | Suits mature or postgraduate students. | Limited availability. | £800 - £1,400 |
Checklist: What Parents Should Look for in Student Housing
Whether you're helping your child book online or attending a viewing in person, here's what to focus on:
Location
Walking/bus distance to campus
Safe and well-lit area
Proximity to supermarkets, health centres, and transport
Safety
Secure entry (key fobs, CCTV)
On-site staff or wardens (for halls)
Fire safety certificates
Cost Transparency
Are bills included? (Electricity, water, WiFi)
Are deposits protected in a tenancy deposit scheme?
Are there hidden fees (admin, guarantor services)?
Contracts
Is it an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)?
Joint or individual contracts for house shares?
Break clause or full academic year required?
Expert Advice for UK Parents: Helping Your Child Choose the Right Accommodation
We asked university housing advisors and letting professionals across the UK for their top recommendations:
1. Start Early-Ideally in Spring Before September Entry
"University-managed halls fill quickly. Parents should encourage students to begin researching as early as January-March for a September intake," says Amy Patel, Housing Officer at the University of Birmingham.
2. Understand the Guarantor Role
Most private landlords require a UK-based guarantor, especially for under-21s or international students. As a parent, you may be asked to guarantee your child's rent.
Ensure you understand joint liability terms in shared tenancies.
Some apps and platforms offer guarantor services for a fee.
3. Visit Properties Together if Possible
A joint visit gives peace of mind-check local crime rates, inspect furnishings, test locks and heating, and ask about maintenance policies.
4. Teach Them About Tenant Rights
Arm your child with knowledge:
They should receive a copy of the tenancy agreement
Deposit must be registered with a UK tenancy deposit scheme
Landlords must give 24-hour notice before entering
Recommended Platforms & Apps for Parents & Students
| Platform | Why It's Useful for Parents |
|---|---|
| Student.com | Verified listings, international-friendly, support team. |
| Unite Students | Trusted PBSA provider with parent-friendly policies. |
| Rightmove Students | Widely used; includes private rentals and halls in one place. |
| AmberStudent | Pre-negotiated pricing and 24/7 support-ideal for international students. |
| UniHomes | All-inclusive bills, great for budgeting peace of mind. |
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