PBSA
Find and compare purpose built student accommodation providers in cities across the UK.
How do I find the right PBSA provider near my university?
Start by searching your city or university to see which purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers operate nearby. Compare properties on location, price, and room type, then shortlist the ones that suit your budget and lifestyle. Most major providers have multiple sites in each city, so you can choose one that’s close to your campus or the areas students love most.
What is included with PBSA accommodation?
Most PBSA providers include all essential bills — utilities, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance — within the weekly rent. You’ll also find on-site amenities such as study lounges, social spaces, laundry facilities, and 24/7 maintenance support. Some providers even offer gyms, games rooms, or private dining areas, so check the property details to see what’s available at each location.
How does the booking and tenancy process work?
Once you’ve found a property you like, you can usually book your room directly on the provider’s website. You’ll need to complete a short application, select your tenancy length, and pay an initial fee or deposit. Most providers offer flexible start dates and clear cancellation policies — just make sure you review these before confirming your booking.
Is PBSA suitable for all types of students?
Yes. PBSA providers welcome a wide mix of students — from first years and international students to postgraduates and professionals. You can often choose between quieter or more social buildings depending on your preference. Each provider has its own community vibe, so look at reviews and resident events to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Unite Students
As the UK’s largest student accommodation provider, Unite Students offers modern, fully serviced buildings in every major university city. Each property is designed for comfort, community and convenience, with on-site teams, bills included and 24/7 support.
Where does Unite Students have accommodation?
Unite operates in 25+ UK cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Use our city directory to explore all locations.
Are bills included?
Yes, rent covers all utilities, Wi-Fi and contents insurance to make budgeting simple.
iQ Accommodation
iQ Accommodation focuses on creating spaces where students can live, study and socialise. Expect high-spec design, well-connected city locations and a vibrant social calendar that makes student life feel effortless.
What makes iQ different?
iQ blends style and functionality, offering amenities like gyms, cinemas and creative lounges in prime city-centre locations.
Can I live with friends at iQ?
Yes, iQ allows group bookings where you can choose to live with friends in shared flats or neighbouring studios.
CRM Students
CRM Students offers one of the UK’s largest ranges of student homes — from boutique studios to large, modern developments. With locations across more than 30 cities, CRM is known for value, quality and choice.
Does CRM offer short-term stays?
Some CRM properties offer flexible or short-term contracts — ideal for postgrads or international students.
What’s included in CRM rent?
Most CRM rents include all bills and Wi-Fi, plus access to study spaces, lounges and on-site staff support.
Student Roost
Known for its welcoming feel, Student Roost creates student communities built on comfort, safety and friendship. Their buildings focus on balance — with modern design, reliable Wi-Fi, and sociable shared areas.
What makes Student Roost popular?
Its friendly atmosphere, great service, and focus on creating home-like communities for every resident.
Can postgraduates live at Student Roost?
Yes, Roost welcomes both undergraduates and postgraduates, offering quiet flats and flexible contracts.
Fresh Student Living
Fresh puts student wellbeing first, combining stylish, high-quality accommodation with community-led experiences. Their friendly on-site teams support students to feel safe, social and settled throughout the year.
What is Fresh famous for?
Its emphasis on wellbeing, events and inclusive communities that help students thrive both academically and socially.
Do Fresh buildings include gyms or study spaces?
Yes, most Fresh sites feature study lounges, gyms and social areas designed for comfort and connection.
Vita Student
Vita Student sets the standard for luxury PBSA, offering designer studios, private dining rooms and gyms in the best city locations. Each building delivers five-star service and a vibrant, career-focused community.
Is Vita Student worth the higher price?
For many students, yes — the premium facilities, service and location justify the price for a higher-end experience.
Do Vita buildings host events?
Yes, Vita runs networking events, socials and wellness sessions that bring residents together year-round.
Yugo
Yugo takes a global approach to student living, operating across the UK and beyond. Their spaces are built around sustainability, wellbeing and student growth — creating a true sense of belonging wherever you study.
What makes Yugo unique?
Yugo focuses on three pillars — sustainability, wellbeing and student experience — shaping modern, inclusive living.
Does Yugo offer support for international students?
Yes, Yugo’s global team helps international students settle in with cultural events and arrival support.
Explore PBSA providers across UK cities
Compare top PBSA providers in the UK
Providers at a glance
A quick side by side comparison of popular UK student accommodation providers. Features can vary by building and city.
| Feature | Unite | iQ | CRM | Roost | Fresh | Vita | Yugo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On site teams | 24/7 team | On site staff | Local managers | Friendly staff | Wellbeing team | Concierge | Global team |
| Social and study spaces | Shared lounges | Common rooms | Varies | Group study areas | Study and gym areas | Private dining and gyms | Co study zones |
| Contract flexibility | By building | Some flexibility | Short stays | Fixed terms | Fixed terms | Fixed leases | Flexible options |
| Guarantor options | Sometimes | Sometimes | Accepted services | Accepted | May vary | Required | Global accepted |
| City coverage | 25+ cities | 23+ cities | 30+ cities | 19+ cities | 20+ cities | 16 cities | 15+ cities |
| Gym and wellness | Some sites | Common | Select buildings | Some sites | Common | Always | Common |
| Postgraduate friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Sustainability initiatives | Net zero plan | Recycling focus | Energy efficiency | Local projects | Planet and people goals | Limited data | Planet programme |
Based on publicly available information (2025). Features may vary by building and city.
PBSA providers
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