The most
level-headed people can become frantic, stressed out shadows of their former
selves when seeking the right place to live. Throw in a move to a new city and
unfamiliar territory and the headache soon becomes a migraine for further
education students. Preventing a lengthy hotel stay adds to the pressures of a
quick turnaround time in finding suitable accommodation.
More than
160 universities are located in 69 cities across the United Kingdom and picking
the right one is difficult. Finding the right area is crucial to reducing your
stress levels. Local amenities, travel time to the university campus, and
safety aspects must be considered. Undergraduates can enjoy halls, which will also
aid their relocation by creating a social group from the get-go.
The
decision for postgraduate
students is not as simple. Studio apartments and university digs have their upsides,
but students are more likely to place a higher importance on the neighbourhood
they choose. Our simple guide to some of the UK’s biggest student cities, and
popular postgraduate areas should help.
<h2 Liverpool
The former
European Capital of Culture has become one the UK’s most popular destinations
for young academics. The thriving Baltic Triangle is within walking distance of
the city centre and Chinatown. It is a happening area which provides access to
a host of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. The district is known
through the city as its creative and digital quarter, making it the perfect
location to get your projects off the ground. Studio accommodation is on the
market from around £500pcm.
<h2 Belfast
Queens
University and the University of Ulster battle for the majority of Northern
Irish students in the heart of the city. With Queens’ campuses scattered across
Belfast, students generally seek accommodation in Queen’s Quarter in the south
of the city, regardless of their education level. The University of Ulster has
campuses spread throughout the country, but rentals in the Lisburn Road and
Ormeau Embankment areas are sought after.
The
affluent Upper Malone district puts Belfast among the highest average house
price in the country, but smart searching can result in prices less than
£300pcm. While crime rates are low in the area, parking is often difficult
because of extensive terraced housing.
<h2 Cardiff
Plenty of
undergraduate and postgraduate level courses are on offer in the Welsh capital,
home to several higher education institutions. A gateway to the Brecon Beacons
and more famously, the filming location of BBC’s Doctor Who, Cardiff has
something for everyone.
A lively
atmosphere has given the Cathays area a reputation as the most student-friendly
area, with the majority of students in the early stages of an undergraduate
course. In the northeast of the city, Roath is a 20-minute walk from the
university. Woodland trails and lakes make a nice change from the raucous student
vibe and offer relaxing alternatives between study sessions. Students will pay
around £395pcm in the area.
<h2 Newcastle upon Tyne
An
excellent hub for student life, England’s most northerly city sees more than a
sixth of its population in full-time education. Many students even decide to
stay on in the city after completing their studies, owing to the region’s
developing job prospects. Heaton, Sandyford, and Jesmond are all within walking
distance of the city centre, giving them an edge for flat-hunting students.
All three
areas have their unique charms. On the doorstep of Northumbria University’s
city centre campus, Sandyford is the cheaper option. Along with Heaton, it
offers a large proportion of residential accommodation, providing a quieter
experience for postgraduate degree studies. Rentals in Jesmond range from £400
to £500pcm, making it the most expensive of the three districts. A mix of
boutiques and shops on Acorn Road and Osborne Road attract the more affluent
students. The metro system in Newcastle, which runs through the city centre,
ensures ease of access to university campuses from early in the morning until
the late evening. Heaton’s location on the fringes of the city also means
students can benefit from larger, often cheaper, supermarkets. There’s plenty
of hotels in the city
centre too, ideal for friends and families heading up to ‘the toon’ to visit.
<h2 Edinburgh
Scotland’s
capital is renowned for its New Year Hogmanay celebrations, so it’s no surprise
it is a popular destination for students. The daily cannon blast from Edinburgh
Castle and the tones of the indigenous bagpipes all add to Edinburgh’s natural
charm as you navigate the Princes Street Gardens. Marchmont and Newington
attract undergraduates, while postgraduates in the city tend to seek a less
student-orientated location. Morningside in the south west of the city is
generally the desired destination, with easy access to central universities.
Rentals in Morningside are higher than the inner-city accommodation at around
£500 to £600pcm.
With so
much choice on the market though, the world of student accommodation is your
oyster. We hope this list of the UK’s rental hotspots can aid your search.
