Student Accommodation
The Best Apps for Finding Student Accommodation in the UK
Best Apps for Finding Student Accommodation in the UK: 2025 Guide for Smart Renting
5 mins read
Posted: 2025-05-28
Looking for student accommodation can be overwhelming-especially when you're balancing uni applications, visa paperwork, and budgeting. Thankfully, technology has stepped in to simplify the process. From dual occupancy studios to budget en-suites, the best apps for finding student accommodation in the UK can help you browse, compare, and book your ideal student home—straight from your phone.
In this guide, we'll cover:
The top UK apps for student housing
Features and pricing models
Expert tips for choosing the right platform
UK-specific legal and rental advice
Student Housing in the UK: Quick Facts
In 2024, the UK hosted over 680,000 international students, according to HESA.
Around 2.1 million students require accommodation during term time.
The average weekly rent for UK student housing is approximately £166, as per Save the Student.
Top Student Accommodation Apps in the UK (2025)
| App Name | Platform | Key Features | Avg. Monthly Rent Range | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UniHomes | Web, iOS, Android | Bills-included homes, group bookings, near-campus filtering | £450 - £900 | Students looking for all-inclusive |
| AmberStudent | Web, iOS, Android | Global listings, free support, verified partners | £600 - £1,400 | International students |
| Rightmove Students | Web, iOS, Android | UK's biggest property portal, student-specific filter | £400 - £1,200 | Students seeking private rentals |
| Student.com | Web, iOS, Android | City comparisons, multilingual support, scholarship filters | £650 - £1,500 | Global students needing help booking |
| Nestpick | Web, iOS | Aggregator of furnished rooms, short/long stays | £700 - £1,800 | Postgrads and working students |
| SpareRoom | Web, iOS, Android | Shared housing, buddy-ups, room alerts | £400 - £1,000 | Solo students on a budget |
| StuRents | Web, iOS, Android | UK-only listings, tenancy breakdowns, group lets | £500 - £1,100 | Undergrads seeking private groups |
Expert Tips for Using Student Accommodation Apps in the UK
1. Use Filters Wisely
Most apps offer filters for:
"Bills included"
"En-suite" or "Studio"
"Dual occupancy"
Distance to university
Expert Tip: Always cross-check Google Maps to verify distances. A "10-minute walk" may mean something very different in central London vs. suburban Glasgow.
2. Don't Just Trust the Photos
Always look for:
Virtual tours
Verified listings
Independent reviews
Apps like AmberStudent and Student.com offer in-app video tours and support agents who've visited properties.
3. Beware of Scam Listings
Apps like Rightmove and SpareRoom are marketplaces-so listings are user-generated. Be cautious of:
Requests for money before viewing
Prices that seem "too good to be true"
Missing deposit protection info
Expert Advice: Always ensure your deposit is registered with a UK government-backed scheme (e.g., TDS, MyDeposits, DPS).
4. Understand Tenancy Types Before Signing
Most student apps now list:
Fixed-term contracts
Joint tenancies vs. individual
Guarantor requirements
Use StuRents to preview tenancy types before committing. Ask landlords if "bills included" means capped or unlimited utilities.
5. Think Beyond Price
Look for features like:
Social spaces (PBSA providers)
Laundry facilities
Contents insurance
Wi-Fi speed & reliability
Apps like UniHomes and Student.com often break this down into digestible amenity tags.
Comparison: Student Housing Apps vs University Accommodation Portals
| Criteria | Student Apps | University Accommodation Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Listings | Broad (PBSA + private rentals) | University-managed halls only |
| Flexibility | High (short-term, shared, full flats) | Lower (academic year contracts) |
| Cost Comparison | Easy to filter and compare | Fixed pricing |
| Support & Booking Help | Often includes personal agent | Limited to internal university staff |
| International Student Support | High (Amber, Student.com offer visa guidance) | Medium |
Best Apps by Use Case (2025 UK Edition)
| Use Case | Best App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget students | SpareRoom | Shared housing, filter by rent + bills |
| International students | AmberStudent | Visa support, global listings, verified properties |
| Group housing with friends | UniHomes | Book whole houses near campus with bills included |
| Looking for luxury studios | Student.com | PBSA focus, filtered by amenities |
| University city newcomers | StuRents | UK-focused with landlord ratings |
Which App Is Right for You?
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to student accommodation apps in the UK. Whether you're looking for a cheap room in Birmingham or a studio near UCL, the right app depends on your budget, lifestyle, and campus location.
The best strategy? Use two or three apps in tandem-cross-check listings, ask questions, and book early (ideally by June or July before your course starts in September).
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