Student Accommodation Guide for First Years

Quick answer: Most UK first years choose university halls — the simplest, safest first-year option, typically £130–£190 a week including bills. Apply as soon as you accept your firm offer; if you came through Clearing, sort accommodation the same week you confirm your place.

Moving away from home is one of the biggest steps in your whole university journey, so it makes sense if it feels like a lot right now. The good news: halls are the default first-year pick for a reason, and this guide helps you choose with a clear head. You do not have to have all of this figured out today. We will walk through your options, what they cost, when to apply, and exactly what to do next.

What your accommodation options are as a first year

As a new student you have four realistic choices, and most first years land on the first one. Here is what each is and who it suits.

• University-managed halls — Rooms run directly by your university, usually on or near campus. Best for most first years: bills are included, support staff are on hand, and you meet people fast.
• Private halls — Purpose-built student blocks run by companies rather than the university. Similar feel to uni halls, sometimes smarter rooms, often a bit pricier. A good backup if uni halls are full.
• Private rented house or flat — Renting a room in a shared house from a private landlord. More independence and sometimes cheaper per room, but you handle bills, contracts, and deposits yourself. More common for second years.
• Homestay or living at home — Staying with family or commuting. The cheapest route by far, and a sensible choice if your university is local or you want to keep costs down.

How much UK student accommodation costs per week

Costs vary a lot by city and room type, so treat these as realistic ranges rather than fixed prices — always check the university's own accommodation site for exact figures. The biggest split is London versus the rest of the UK.

When a room says bills included, that usually covers heating, electricity, water, and broadband — so the weekly figure is the real figure. With a private shared house, the rent is just the start: you add gas, electric, water, internet, and often a TV licence on top, which can be £40–£70 a week between housemates. That is why halls often work out simpler for a first year, even when the headline rent looks higher.

It helps to work out your budget alongside your finance plan, so you know what your maintenance loan actually leaves you each week. Have a look at our student finance basics guide to map your income against your rent before you commit.

When to apply — and how it lines up with results day

Timing is the part students most often get wrong, so here is the clear version. You apply for accommodation after you accept your firm offer, not before — and rooms are allocated on a first-come basis, so being early genuinely matters.

• Spring–early summer: Most university accommodation portals open. As soon as your firm choice is locked in, apply. Do not wait for results.
• Around results day (13 August 2026): If your grades confirm your firm place, your accommodation application carries through. If anything changes, your university will tell you what happens to your room.
• Clearing window (around 2 July–19 October 2026): If you get your place through Clearing, contact that university's accommodation office the same week you confirm.

If you are still in the thick of it, our A-level results day 2026 guide and our UCAS Clearing 2026 guide walk you through what happens on the day and how to confirm a place quickly.

Halls vs private accommodation: how to choose

For most first years, halls win — but it helps to see why side by side. Here is how the two compare on the things that actually matter in year one.

The pattern is clear: halls trade a little independence for a lot of simplicity, and that is exactly what most people want when they are starting out somewhere new. Private renting really comes into its own in second year, once you have a friend group and know the city. Once you have made your firm vs insurance choice, you will know which university's halls to aim for — apply there first and keep private halls as your backup.

A realistic first-year accommodation checklist

Here is the exact order of steps to take, so nothing slips through the cracks.

1. Confirm your university place — accept your firm offer, or confirm your Clearing place. This unlocks accommodation.
2. Set a weekly budget — work out what your maintenance loan, plus any savings or part-time income, leaves for rent after living costs.
3. Apply through the university portal — do this as early as you can, and list a few room types so you stay flexible.
4. Read the contract before you sign — check the term length, deposit, notice period, and exactly what bills are included.
5. Arrange contents insurance — your laptop and phone are worth protecting; some halls include basic cover, so check first.
6. Plan your move-in — note the move-in date, what to bring, and what the kitchen already provides.

Still deciding where to apply? See what you can study with your points to make sure your shortlist is realistic before you start booking anything.

*The guidance above is our core, independent advice. Everything below is clearly-labelled supplementary content with partner links.*

Recommended accommodation and moving-in essentials

Sort your money before you move in

A little money admin now saves a lot of stress in freshers' week. Before move-in day, get the basics in place so your rent, loan, and spending all run smoothly from week one.

• Open a student bank account with a decent interest-free overdraft and no fees.
• Set up a simple weekly budget so your rent and bills are always covered first.
• Claim your student discounts so the essentials cost less from day one.

Start with our guides to the best student bank accounts and how to claim your student discounts — both take minutes and pay off all year.

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions before you book? Here are the ones new students ask us most. First, check your UCAS points with the calculator so you know you are in range before you commit to anywhere.

When should I apply for student accommodation? Apply as soon as you accept your firm offer — university halls fill up fast, and most portals open in spring or early summer. If you got your place through Clearing on or after results day (13 August 2026), book accommodation that same week.

How much does student accommodation cost in the UK? Most university halls cost around £130–£190 a week with bills included, outside London. London halls and private studios run higher, often £200–£350 a week. Private shared houses can be cheaper per room but add separate bills.

Are halls or private accommodation better for first years? Halls are the safer first-year pick for most students: bills are included, you meet people quickly, and contracts match the academic year. Private renting suits second years who already have a friend group and want more independence.

Do I need UCAS points to get student accommodation? No — accommodation depends on confirming your university place, not your points directly. But your points decide your offer first, so use the calculator to confirm you are in range before you book anywhere.

What if I get my place through Clearing? You can still get accommodation, but act fast. Once you confirm a Clearing place, contact that university's accommodation office the same day — most hold rooms for late confirmations, and many guarantee halls for first years.