Are you searching for student accommodation online as an international student? I know how stressful it can be, especially when you’re doing it from another country.
As an international student, I had to rely solely on website photos and descriptions via the accommodation website to choose where I’d be living for the next year. I couldn’t visit in person or get a feel for the surrounding area beforehand. It all came down to online research and virtual tours.
Whether you’re preparing to start uni or planning a move for next term, here’s what I learnt from the experience and everything you should look out for when browsing accommodation online.
Start Budgeting
The first thing you need to do is figure out how much you can realistically spend, whether you get a bursary, are on scholarship, supported by your parents or taken out a loan, look at the numbers and see how much you are willing to allocate towards living expenses.
It’s not just about rent, you also need to factor in things like laundry, thankfully in your first year most accommodations factor in bills to the weekly rent however, you are expected to pay for Circuit laundry as well as your own supplies for that.
From my own personal experience, one wash cycle was around £3.80 and a dry was £1.90, so just keep that in mind!
I started by creating a simple monthly budget that included not only rent and bills, but also food, transport, and some extra for nights out or takeaways. I understand that it's sometimes difficult to choose a feather or not as aesthetically pleasing accommodation but if it pushes you over budget, it’ll only cause stress later on.
Once you’ve worked out your budget, you can start narrowing your options and avoid wasting time on places you can’t afford.
Non-negotiables
Next, think about what matters most to you in a living space. Do you want your own en suite bathroom, or are you fine sharing it? Would you prefer a double bed? Is having lots of space important, or are you happy with something smaller as long as it’s cosy? Personally, I knew I wanted an en-suite as I value privacy, and I needed a space where I could feel relaxed and comfortable.
You should also consider accessibility. If you have mobility needs or a disability, make sure to check whether the building has lifts, step free access, or adapted rooms. These details are often mentioned at the bottom of listings, so read everything carefully and don’t be afraid to send follow up emails for any questions.
Location
Use Google Maps to check how far the accommodation is from your university, and whether it’s walkable or if you’ll need to rely on public transport and whether that is maintainable within your budget.
I was lucky that my university was only a 15 minute walk away from my accommodation but if I was running late there was a bus stop only 3 minutes away that took me straight to my campus.
It’s also worth looking at what’s nearby. Are there supermarkets within walking distance? Places to grab coffee or go for a run? Think about your daily routine and how the location will affect your lifestyle.
Sharing your space
Most accommodations will tell you how many people you’ll be sharing with. Some people prefer the energy of a big flat with 6 or 7 others to avoid the silence and loneliness of moving away from home, while others prefer something quieter.
I personally liked having just three other flatmates. It gave me enough social time without it feeling chaotic. When browsing options, keep an eye on the flat size, and don’t be afraid to email with any specific requests. As a Muslim girl, It was important for me to feel safe in my space as well as have my family feel okay with where I was living. Therefore, I emailed to ask if I could be placed in an all female flat, and the team was more than happy to help.
If you have a disability or any additional religious needs, make sure to let them know in advance so they can accommodate you with a suitable room whether that’s something on the ground floor or closer to facilities like the lift or reception.
Surroundings
Your room is just one part of your student experience. Think about what’s available in the surrounding area. Is there a local supermarket nearby? A halal takeaway? A pharmacy, gym, or cafe where you can study?
I made the mistake of not checking this during my first search, and ended up having to walk 20 minutes just to grab basic groceries.
Use Google Street View to explore the neighbourhood virtually and get a sense of whether it suits your lifestyle. Being close to useful shops and services will save you loads of time (and money) in the long run.
Personal Experience
When I moved to the UK for university, I had no chance to view any rooms in person. Everything I knew about my future accommodation came from a few reviews. I was nervous, what if the pictures were outdated or edited? What if the room turned out to be tiny or noisy?
To make the best decision I could, I joined student Whatsapp groups and followed my accommodations Instagram account, read every review available, and asked loads of questions via email and even stalked the google maps.
Thankfully, my accommodation turned out to be just as nice as it looked online but I know not everyone is that lucky. The key is to research as much as you can and trust your instincts. Accommodation for students’ website was a very helpful tool as well. Private vs.
University Accommodation
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to go with private student accommodation or opt for university-managed halls. Private accommodation tends to be newer, more modern, and packed with facilities like on-site gyms, cinema rooms, study spaces, and communal lounges. It’s often more flexible in terms of contract length and move-in dates, which can be helpful for international students or those arriving early.
However, these extras usually come with a higher price tag. University managed halls are generally more affordable and are usually located close to campus. They often have a strong sense of community and can be a great way to meet fellow freshers. That said, they might be a little more basic in terms of style and amenities, and you may have less control over who you’re sharing with.
In my case, I ended up somewhere in between. I chose a private accommodation that was managed through my university, which gave me the best of both worlds. The building itself was owned by a private company, but all of the payments, contracts, and admin were handled through my university portal so it still felt like an official part of my uni experience. This setup gave me peace of mind because I knew the university had vetted the place, but I still got the benefit of having a modern room, private bathroom, and great facilities.
What was interesting, though, was that not everyone in the accommodation was from my university. Some of my flatmates were from other universities in the city, and a few were even postgraduate students. While this meant I didn’t always bump into classmates in the lift, it also gave me the chance to meet people from different courses, backgrounds, and campuses, which made the experience more diverse and interesting.
So, if you find an option that’s privately run but affiliated with your university, it might be worth considering.
Final Points
Finding accommodation online isn’t easy, especially when you’re not able to view it in person. But with the right approach and a bit of patience it is possible to find the perfect space.
Set your budget, know what your priorities are, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request adjustments. Whether it’s location, privacy, accessibility, or community, you deserve to feel safe, happy, and supported in your new home.
And do not forget you are not alone and not the first international student to go through this, so it is possible!!
