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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Finding international student accommodation in the UK can be difficult. But, with Unite Students, it doesn’t have to be. We make finding your new home, applying and moving in easy and straightforward.
You can book an international student accommodation with us in just a few simple steps:
Apply for your student visa
Research accommodation
Book an online viewing
Book your room and pay
We know what it takes to give our international residents room to thrive. Whether you’re a first-time undergrad or returning postgrad, our hub will help you find the perfect home away from home.
Get to grips with booking international student accommodation with us.
You’ll need to apply for a student visa to be able to legally rent international student accommodation in the UK. You’ll need a valid passport, a bank statement, and other important documents.
Start your search well in advance for better accommodation choices and prices. Look into location, accommodation types, facilities and amenities, and budget to find the best option for you.
Found your dream room? Arrange an online viewing to get a feel of the accommodation. Unite Students offers virtual tours, so you can see floor plans, amenities, and location.
Once you’re happy with your choice, click book now and pay. Sorted.
If you’re studying in the UK for more than six months, you’ll need a student visa. This is a special permit that allows you to rent international student accommodation in the UK during your course.
You can apply for a student visa if you:
Are at least 16 years old
Have been offered a place on a course
Can support yourself or pay for your course
Can write, read, speak, and understand English
Have consent from your parent or guardian (if you’re 16 or 17 years old).
If you’re outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is six months before your course starts. If you’re inside the UK, then it’s three months.
Here’s how that looks in action:
Make sure you meet the requirements to apply for a visa.
Prepare all the documents you need, like a current passport.
Pay the application fee and get a decision within three to eight weeks.
If successful, set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Check what you can bring into the UK, and what you’ll need to show at the border.
Get the full rundown of applying for a student visa at gov.uk.
Applying for a student visa can be tricky and time-consuming. But, with the right documents prepared, you can make the process a bit easier.
When applying for a student visa, you’ll need:
A valid passport
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Bank statements, or other proof that you can cover fees and living costs
A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if required.
In some cases, you may also need:
A valid tuberculosis test certificate if required
Written consent from your financial sponsor
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you already have one in the UK
Proof of parental or legal guardian consent if you’re 16 or 17 years old.
Check out the full list of required documents at gov.uk.
As an international student, you’ll need a UK bank account to pay for your accommodation. It’s worth setting up an account well before you arrive.
Each bank has different requirements, but you will generally need:
Some form of identification
Proof of your residency and course
Then, all that’s left is to book your international student accommodation. You can choose to pay in full or in instalments. At Unite Students, we accept the following payment methods:
Visa
Visa Electron
Mastercard
Maestro
UnionPay
Bank transfers (on exception).
You can manage payments, add card details, or make payments in the My Account portal.
Get ready for the exciting transition into university life in the UK.
Once you book your international student accommodation, keep track of your application in the My Booking section of the My Account portal, or on the Unite Students App.
Both you and your guarantor will be asked to accept the tenancy agreement after booking. Read through it carefully to understand your rights as a tenant and secure your room.
Make sure you have all the specific documents, valid identification, and other important bits before your big move, so that check-in day is a breeze.
When looking for international student accommodation – the earlier, the better. You should start your search at least six to eight months before your course starts. The prime booking window is normally between January to March for a September start. Searching early will give you the best choice of international student homes in your chosen city – especially in popular cities like London, Leeds and Manchester.
You’ll find some of the cheapest student accommodation in cities like Coventry, Glasgow, or Sheffield. These areas typically offer lower rents due to large student populations, making them more affordable for young people. They’re also lower in demand compared to London, which may attract more international students.
Living costs for international students in the UK vary by location. It may come as no surprise that London is more on the expensive end, averaging at £1,300 for accommodation, bills, food, and personal expenses. International students living outside of London can expect to pay roughly £900-£1,300 a month – and many take a part-time job to offset costs. Find out how to balance work and study to make the most of uni life.
You’ll generally need a guarantor when booking international student accommodation with us. But, the good news is, they don’t need to be a UK resident. We accept international guarantors as part of your booking – whether that’s a parent, guardian, relative, or close friend. As long as they’re over 25, they’re good to go.
Yes, you can often cancel your international student accommodation with us – but with some exceptions:
No Visa, No Pay – If your UK visa application is rejected, you can get a full refund if you send us the rejection letter within seven days.
7-Day Cooling-Off Period – Cancel your booking within seven days of booking an accommodation for a full refund.
No Place, No Pay – Cancel your booking if you don’t get your uni offer, or you choose a different uni (first years only).
See our full cancellation policy here.
Explore our room types and take a look before you book.
Your own private bedroom with an attached bathroom and study area – more privacy, less queues, and endless personal space.
A private bedroom with a study area and a shared bathroom – more affordable and more chances to connect with flatmates.
Experience ultimate privacy and independence with your own studio flat. Perfect for postgrads and mature students.
Make the best of uni life with small, thoughtful tweaks – from wider doors and step-free showers to lower countertops.
Smarter app. Smarter living.
Everything you need to live smart – with features including flat chat, property updates, 24/7 wellbeing and service support, account management, plus exclusive partner deals and perks.
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