Student accommodation, without the guesswork.

Compare halls, PBSA and private renting. Understand costs, contracts and timing. Use student data to see what actually matters before you sign.

Find accommodation by city Compare accommodation costs

76% reported a named housing issue29% reported two or more housing issues48% put affordability first

Choose the way you want to live

Start with the type of accommodation, then compare the complete annual cost, contract, location and what is actually included.

University halls

First-year convenience, university support and bills commonly bundled into one payment.

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PBSA

Private student buildings, often with bills included, shared spaces and additional facilities.

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Private renting

More independence, more responsibility and a much bigger need to understand the contract.

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Unifresher Data Hub · accommodation evidence

Student housing, measured as well as explained

The flagship Student Experience Survey gives this hub a stronger evidence base, while smaller audience polls keep tracking how housing decisions are changing.

Structured survey · 500 respondents76%experienced at least one of five named student-housing issues

380 of 500 respondents · structured survey

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Structured survey · 500 respondents29%experienced two or more named student-housing issues

145 of 500 respondents · structured survey

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Indicative audience poll48%said price and affordability mattered most when choosing where to live

21 responses · 17 Aug 2026 · indicative poll

See the poll →

Indicative audience poll78%said they start looking for accommodation six or more months ahead

18 responses · 7 Aug 2026 · indicative poll

See the poll →

The State of Student Life 2026500 UK student respondents · 15 survey questions · fieldwork 12–25 August 2026. Unweighted results with methodology and limitations published alongside the findings.

Explore the full 2026 survey →

Structured survey findings and quick audience polls are labelled separately. Polls are indicative snapshots and should not be treated as representative of all UK students.

Five decisions to get right before you sign

Good accommodation decisions are usually made before the contract reaches your inbox.

01TimingKnow when your local market starts moving. 02Total costCompare rent, bills and the full contract length. 03GuarantorUnderstand what is required before applying. 04DepositKnow what you pay and how protection works. 05ContractCheck cancellation, replacement and exit terms.

Accommodation changes city by city

Compare the local market around your university rather than assuming every student city works the same way.

ManchesterCompare halls, PBSA and local student areas. LeedsUnderstand location, rents and market timing. BirminghamCompare options around multiple campuses. EdinburghPlan earlier in a competitive market. Browse all citiesSearch by city, university or student area.

Comparing private student accommodation?

Use our provider guides to understand where operators are based, what they offer and how different room types and facilities compare.

PBSA provider hub Best UK providers Costs guide

Accommodation guidance built around the student decision

We combine independent guides, city-level research and original student evidence so students can compare the route, not just the room.

No provider biasEditorial guidance is written to help students compare options rather than push one provider.

City-awareCosts, timing and location change by market, so local context stays part of the decision.

Data-ledSurvey findings and ongoing polls keep the accommodation hub connected to what students are actually reporting.