The Complete Accommodation & Costs Guide for UK Students: An Oxford Case Study

This article is also available in [Burmese]

Choosing where to live is one of the biggest and most stressful decisions a new student has to make. This guide is designed to be your all-in-one resource, combining a strategic framework for how to choose your location with a realistic breakdown of how much it will actually cost you.

It’s written from my perspective as a student in Oxford, but the principles and price ranges apply to most UK university cities.

The First Question: What Kind of Person Are You?

"Do you prefer the bustle of a busy city centre, or the peace and quiet of a suburban neighborhood?"

This is the most fundamental question you must answer. I personally enjoy a peaceful environment, but not one that is totally isolated. Your answer will be the starting point for your entire search.

Part 1: How to Choose a Location - The 3 Critical Factors

Many students make predictable mistakes when choosing where to live. To avoid them, you must base your decision on a strategic assessment of these three factors.

Factor 1: Your Campus, Not Just Your University

This is the number one rule. A university like Oxford Brookes has multiple campuses spread across the city. Your major determines which campus you will need to be on every day. Before you even look at a map of rooms, you must check your course details to see where your lectures and studios will be. A cheap room that is an hour away from your actual campus is a very expensive mistake.

• How to Prepare: Use your university's official website and YouTube channel to take virtual tours of each campus so you understand their locations.

Factor 2: Your Daily Commute - Calculating Time and Cost

Once you know your campus location, calculate the reality of your daily commute from a potential address.

• By Bus: My commute is 15-20 minutes. A critical factor is the cost: a 12-month student bus pass in Oxford can cost over £350. This must be part of your annual budget.
• By Bicycle: My commute is 10-15 minutes. The cycling infrastructure here is excellent.
• By Walking: My commute is about an hour.

Factor 3: Your Lifestyle - Access to Shops and Supplies

• Academic Supplies: As an architecture student, my preferred shop (Hobbycraft) is a 45-60 minute bike ride away. Living far from your essential shops can create a significant hidden cost in either time or money.
• Groceries: Living within a 5-10 minute walk of a decent-sized supermarket (like Tesco, Sainsbury's, or the cheaper Aldi/Lidl) will make your life infinitely easier than having to haul heavy bags on a long bus journey.

Part 2: The Price Breakdown - Estimated Costs for Accommodation & Utilities

Now that you know what to look for, let's break down how much it will cost.

The Most Important Rule: Location is Everything Costs in the UK vary enormously by city. For this guide, I will provide two sets of estimates:

• Outside London: An average for major university cities like Manchester, Bristol, or Oxford.
• London: Where costs are highest.

Option 1: Student Accommodation (Bills Usually Included)

The main advantage here is that the weekly rent price is all-inclusive (electricity, gas, water, internet). This makes budgeting simple and predictable.

A. University Halls of Residence

• Standard Room (shared bathroom):
  • Outside London: £120 - £170 per week
  • London: £170 - £220 per week
• En-suite Room (private bathroom):
  • Outside London: £160 - £220 per week
  • London: £220 - £280 per week
• Studio (private bathroom & kitchen):
  • Outside London: £200 - £300 per week
  • London: £280 - £400+ per week

B. Private Student Halls (PBSA)

These are run by private companies and are often newer with better facilities, but can be slightly more expensive.

• En-suite Room:
  • Outside London: £180 - £250 per week
  • London: £250 - £350 per week
• Studio:
  • Outside London: £220 - £350 per week
  • London: £350 - £500+ per week

Option 2: Private Renting (Bills Not Included)

After the first year, many students move into a privately rented house. The advertised rent for these properties is almost always exclusive of bills. The initial rent will look cheaper, but you must add the cost of utilities on top.

• Room in a Shared House (per person):
  • Outside London: £500 - £750 per month
  • London (Zones 2-4): £750 - £1,100+ per month
• Average Utility Costs (Per Person, Per Month): You should budget an extra £80 - £120+ per month on top of your rent for these essential bills:
  • Gas and Electricity: £60 - £90
  • Water: £10 - £15
  • Internet (Wi-Fi): £8 - £12
  • Council Tax: You are EXEMPT if everyone in the house is a full-time student. If even one person is not, the whole house may have to pay a large bill (over £150/month).
  • TV Licence: £159 per year, per household, if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together and Choosing Wisely

The choice of where to live is personal. I knew I needed a place with access to green spaces, a quiet environment, and proximity to a large supermarket. Do your research and define your own priorities.

When you compare costs, remember:

• Student Halls: The price is high but fixed and hassle-free.
• Private Renting: The rent seems cheaper, but after adding £80-£120+ for bills, the total cost is often very similar.

Understanding these real factors and costs is the first step to choosing a home that will support your success and happiness as a student in the UK.