The Cheapest Student Housing Near Top UK Universities

Studying in the UK is a dream for many, but high living costs-especially rent-can quickly turn that dream into a financial challenge. With tuition fees, books, and basic living expenses already stacking up, finding affordable student accommodation becomes critical.

This blog breaks down the cheapest student housing options near top UK universities. Whether you're attending Oxford, Manchester, or UCL, we've gathered budget-friendly options to help you make the most of your student budget without compromising location, safety, or essential amenities.

1. University of Oxford - Oxford

Cheapest Areas: Cowley & Headington

• Average Weekly Rent: £120 - £150

• Housing Type: Shared houses, private student halls

• Tips:

  • Look for housing slightly outside the city centre (e.g., Cowley Road) for significant savings.

  • Consider Oxford Brookes University housing listings-they often overlap with Oxford University areas.

Bonus Tip:

Check with Oxford Student Pad or Oxford SU listings for verified low-rent accommodations.

2. University of Cambridge - Cambridge

Cheapest Areas: Cherry Hinton & Arbury

• Average Weekly Rent: £115 - £145

• Housing Type: Private rooms in shared flats, homestays

• Tips:

  • College-owned accommodation is often the cheapest and includes utilities.

  • Look into housing further from the city centre with good bike access.

3. University College London (UCL) - London

Cheapest Areas: Stratford, Holloway, & Lewisham

• Average Weekly Rent: £140 - £180 (a bargain by London standards)

• Housing Type: Private halls, shared flats, UCL partner accommodations

• Tips:

  • Use UCL's housing service to find subsidized or student-only accommodation.

  • Consider intercollegiate halls shared among University of London schools.

4. University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh

Cheapest Areas: Leith & Gorgie

• Average Weekly Rent: £100 - £130

• Housing Type: University-managed flats, private rentals

• Tips:

  • Leith offers excellent transport and a vibrant student community.

  • Consider university housing for bundled utilities and lower upfront costs.

5. University of Manchester - Manchester

Cheapest Areas: Fallowfield & Rusholme

• Average Weekly Rent: £90 - £120

• Housing Type: Shared student houses, private dormitories

• Tips:

  • Fallowfield is a student hotspot with competitive prices.

  • Consider "bills included" options to avoid hidden monthly expenses.

6. University of Glasgow - Glasgow

Cheapest Areas: Dennistoun & Partick

• Average Weekly Rent: £100 - £125

• Housing Type: Shared student flats, university housing

• Tips:

  • University of Glasgow offers some of the most affordable on-campus housing in Scotland.

  • Search early-affordable housing is quickly snapped up.

7. University of Bristol - Bristol

Cheapest Areas: Bishopston & Fishponds

• Average Weekly Rent: £110 - £135

• Housing Type: Private shared houses, university-affiliated halls

• Tips:

  • Look for houses near direct bus routes to campus.

  • Use the Bristol SU housing site to find safe, student-recommended listings.

8. University of Birmingham - Birmingham

Cheapest Areas: Selly Oak & Edgbaston

• Average Weekly Rent: £80 - £110

• Housing Type: Shared student homes, private accommodations

• Tips:

  • Selly Oak is a student favorite with proximity to campus and cheap eats.

  • Many private landlords offer student-only housing with flexible leases.

9. University of Leeds - Leeds

Cheapest Areas: Hyde Park & Headingley

• Average Weekly Rent: £90 - £115

• Housing Type: Shared student houses, low-cost halls

• Tips:

  • Hyde Park offers the best mix of affordability and student life.

  • Book well in advance for September move-ins.

10. University of Southampton - Southampton

Cheapest Areas: Portswood & Swaythling

• Average Weekly Rent: £85 - £110

• Housing Type: Shared housing, private halls

• Tips:

  • Portswood is very popular among students and has easy access to the main campus.

  • University housing offers special low-income schemes-check eligibility.

How to Find the Cheapest Student Housing

Here are a few general tips to help you secure affordable student accommodation:

• Book Early: The best and cheapest options go fast.

• Use Student-Specific Portals: Platforms like Studentbuddy, Studentpad, Unite Students, and Rightmove Student filter listings for verified, student-safe housing.

• Consider Shared Living: Splitting rent and utilities can dramatically cut your monthly expenses.

• Check for Hidden Costs: Always ask if utilities, internet, and maintenance are included.

Finding affordable student accommodation in the UK's top universities isn't impossible-you just need to know where to look. Whether you prefer the vibrant student communities of Manchester or the academic heritage of Oxford, there are budget-friendly housing options to suit every student. Use this guide as a starting point to find a safe, affordable, and convenient place to call home during your studies.