Most British students live in co-ed halls for their first year of undergraduate study. Then, in their second and third years, they have to find off-campus accommodation.

Many UK universities guarantee housing to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate level for their first year, and some for the duration of their degree. They almost always provide housing for short-term study abroad students. You should contact your university to check if housing is provided.

At some universities there is a separate dormitory for international students, while others mix all students together. As an international student you should strongly consider living on-campus, as it provides a hassle-free way to settle into UK life and meet other students like you!

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR HOUSING?

Most students live in single rooms, though sometimes doubles are available upon request. Accommodation varies from a group of students sharing a suite with a kitchen and bathroom to rows of singles in halls with a small group of students to each bathroom and kitchen.

Some universities also rent out on-campus houses for small groups of students. And for mature or married students family flats are sometimes available.

Usually, universities give students a choice in what type of housing they want and let them request special accommodations, such as single-sex floors, non-smoking, en-suite or quiet environment.

WHAT ARE THE DORMS LIKE?

Although British universities are some of the most renowned, some are also among the oldest. Consequently some student residences may not be as technologically equipped as you are used to. Dorm rooms may not be wired for Internet access, and some bedrooms might not have phone jacks.

Students usually adapt to these differences very easily: if bedrooms don’t have phones, public phones will be available in hallways (though most students have cell phones – or “mobiles” – these days), and virtually all institutions have public computer clusters.

UK universities in recent years have been making a big effort to stay up on the technological revolution – and they are certainly not lacking in other amenities. Some dorms house a student-run bar. And most have at least one student common room with televisions, tables and sofas and, if you’re lucky, a pool table and a foosball table.

HOW DO I FIND HOUSING?

On-campus: Your university will send you the relevant forms, but you can contact its accommodations office or international office for further information. Adhere to all deadlines when filling out forms – on-campus rooms can fill up quickly and students turning in late forms may be shut out.

Off-campus: Students normally either rent a room in someone else’s house, find their own flat or house with friends. University accommodation offices and student unions will have listings, as will local newspapers. Also, in large cities like London international student hostels are common and a great way to meet diverse friends. It is always wise to visit accommodations and meet prospective roommates to make sure they are suitable before signing a lease.