Finding the right student house can make or break your uni experience.
You want more than just four walls — you want a life!
In this guide, we’ll show you where to find the best student houses in the UK, what you’ll get for your money, and how to live your best student life in 2025. 🚀
Let’s jump in! 🎒
🏡 What Types of Student Housing Are Available?
When renting as a student, you’ll usually find:
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): Shared houses for 3–6+ students. Big rooms, shared kitchen and bathrooms.
- Student Apartments: Modern blocks, sometimes with gyms and communal areas.
- Studio Flats: Small private flats — ideal for final-year or postgraduate students.
- University-Owned Halls: Perfect for first years, but often pricier than private houses.
- Private Halls: Luxury-style apartments with cinema rooms, gyms, cafes — but at a cost!
Tip:
Private rented houses (HMOs) usually offer the best value for money after first year.
🏙️ Best Student Towns and Cities in the UK (2025)
Here’s where you’ll find amazing student houses, great value, and buzzing lifestyles.
1. Manchester
Why:
- Two huge unis (University of Manchester & Manchester Met).
- Loads of affordable Victorian terraced houses.
Best Areas:
Fallowfield (party central), Rusholme (cheap eats!), Withington (laid-back vibe).
Student Life:
- Famous nightlife (Warehouse Project, Deansgate).
- Cheap buses + trams everywhere.
- Big sports scene.
2. Nottingham
Why:
- Two massive student populations (UoN and Nottingham Trent).
- Houses are big, cheap, and everywhere!
Best Areas:
Lenton (classic student zone), Beeston (closer to Uni Park Campus).
Student Life:
- Ocean Wednesdays (legendary student night).
- Good trams and late-night buses.
- Beautiful parks and cafes.
3. Leeds
Why:
- Big city buzz with lower rent than Manchester.
- Huge selection of terrace houses near campus.
Best Areas:
Headingley (lively student village), Hyde Park (younger, edgier vibe).
Student Life:
- Otley Run pub crawl (iconic).
- Amazing shopping at Trinity Leeds.
- Cheap trains to Manchester and London.
4. Liverpool
Why:
- Cheap rents + vibrant culture = dream mix.
- Some houses rent for £80–100 a week!
Best Areas:
Smithdown Road (classic student area), Kensington (close and cheap).
Student Life:
- Massive live music scene.
- Buzzing nightlife on Seel Street.
- Ferry rides, beaches, and Anfield football!
5. Bristol
Why:
- Beautiful city + big student community.
- Slightly pricier, but worth it for lifestyle.
Best Areas:
Redland (posh student vibes), Bishopston (cool indie area).
Student Life:
- World-class street art (Banksy’s hometown!).
- Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Great bike paths and harbourside walks.
6. Sheffield
Why:
- Low rents, huge green spaces.
- Two unis packed into a compact city centre.
Best Areas:
Ecclesall Road (shopping and bars), Broomhill (close to both unis).
Student Life:
- Peak District on your doorstep.
- Cool indie bars and coffee shops.
- Cheap buses + Uber.
7. Glasgow
Why:
- Scotland’s coolest city for students.
- Big houses, fair prices, lively culture.
Best Areas:
West End (classic for Uni of Glasgow), Dennistoun (up-and-coming).
Student Life:
- Killer nightlife in Sauchiehall Street.
- Affordable cost of living.
- Explore Scotland easily by train.
8. Exeter
Why:
- Smaller city, great quality of life.
- New student housing popping up everywhere.
Best Areas:
Mount Pleasant, St. James.
Student Life:
- Gorgeous beaches an hour away.
- Cosy pubs and live music.
9. Durham
Why:
- Small, historic, stunning.
- Perfect for focused study with good nightlife sprinkled in.
Best Areas:
Claypath, Neville’s Cross.
Student Life:
- Instagram-worthy cathedral city.
- Cheap student bars and society events.
10. Newcastle
Why:
- Ridiculously cheap for a major city.
- Brilliant student community.
Best Areas:
Jesmond (super lively), Heaton (affordable and chilled).
Student Life:
- Famous for nights out (“the Toon”).
- Stunning beaches 30 minutes away.
- Friendly vibe everywhere.
✈️ Travel and Getting Around as a Student
- Train Travel: Get a 16–25 Railcard — saves you 1/3 on trains. (£30/year, worth it!)
- Bus Travel: Most cities have cheap student passes.
- Cycling: Great in flat cities like Nottingham, Oxford, and Cambridge.
- Car: Usually not needed unless you’re really far from uni or doing a placement.
💸 What’s Good Value for Money in 2025?
| City | Average Weekly Rent | Best Value Property |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | £85–£100 | 5-bed terrace house |
| Nottingham | £90–£110 | 4-bed near campus |
| Manchester | £110–£140 | Modern apartments |
| Sheffield | £80–£100 | Classic HMOs |
| Bristol | £130–£160 | Shared houses |
Tip:
Look for bills included deals (WiFi, gas, water) — saves a lot of hassle and money!
🎯 Final Tips for Renting Student Housing
- Start searching early: January–March for next September.
- View in person: Pictures can lie!
- Understand your contract: Look for guarantor requirements, break clauses, and deposit rules.
- Use trusted platforms: (like LiveRentBuy.com 😉)
🚀 Find Your Perfect Student House Now!
Ready to level up your student life?
🏡 Find the best student houses across the UK at LiveRentBuy.com!
Start your search today and lock in the best spots before they’re gone. 🎯
Leave a Reply