Arts students have different housing needs to most — studio space, natural light, proximity to galleries and creative communities, and ideally a neighbourhood that inspires you. Here is a guide to the best student housing options for arts students across the UK.

What arts students need from accommodation

Beyond the basics of cost, location, and contract length, arts students often need: good natural light (north-facing rooms or large windows), space to work on large canvases or installations, access to communal workshops, and neighbours who understand unsociable working hours. If you are still deciding where to study, browse UK universities on StudentBuddy to compare arts programmes and their home cities.

Best UK cities for arts students

London

Home to the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, and Chelsea College of Arts. London's creative heartlands — Peckham, Hackney, and Deptford — offer affordable artist studios and shared houses near major galleries. Expensive, but unmatched for industry connections. Browse London student accommodation on StudentBuddy.

Glasgow

Glasgow School of Art and the city's thriving Merchant City are the UK's best-kept arts student secret. Housing is significantly more affordable than London (rooms from £450/month) and the arts community is tight-knit. The West End around Byres Road has excellent student housing stock.

Brighton

The University of Brighton and Sussex's proximity to the sea and the Brighton Festival make this one of the UK's most creative student cities. The North Laine area is full of independent studios and affordable housing on the fringes of the city centre.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh College of Art (part of the University of Edinburgh) sits in a city that hosts the world's largest arts festival each August. Leith and Bruntsfield are popular affordable areas for arts students.

Manchester

Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Art has a strong reputation. The Northern Quarter and Salford offer affordable rents, thriving independent galleries, and a music and arts culture that is unlike anywhere else in the UK.

Housing types that suit arts students

• Large shared Victorian houses — High ceilings, good light, space for large works. Common in Glasgow, Brighton, and Manchester.
• Live/work studios — Some cities have purpose-built artist live/work spaces, though these are competitive. Worth checking via local arts council listings.
• Purpose-built student accommodation with art spaces — Some newer developments near art colleges include common rooms adapted for creative work. Search verified PBSA listings on StudentBuddy.

Tips for arts students finding accommodation

1. Ask about storage for art supplies and large canvases — not all landlords permit this.
2. Look for flats with north-facing windows for consistent natural light without direct sun.
3. Check the walls and floors — some landlords charge damage deposits if paint or adhesives are used.
4. Consider studio-share arrangements where you rent living space separately from a shared studio in a mill or creative workspace.