Demand for student accommodation in the UK

Posted on 14 September 2026

Competition for university places and accommodation may remain significant in popular locations. If you are planning to study in the UK, research your preferred universities early and investigate accommodation options as soon as you receive an offer.

Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in January 2026 show that 2,863,180 undergraduate and postgraduate students were enrolled at UK higher education institutions in the 2024/25 academic year. Although this represented a 1.28% decline compared with 2023/24, the number of students enrolled remains substantial, sustaining demand for student accommodation across the UK.

However, the balance between student numbers and available accommodation varies by location, meaning that some university cities face greater pressure on housing supply than others. For students planning to study in the UK, choosing where to live is therefore an important consideration, as local demand can influence room availability, rental costs and commuting times. Understanding these differences can help you compare university cities, plan your budget and secure suitable accommodation before your course begins.

Which UK Cities Should You Consider?

Student accommodation conditions differ between university cities. Some locations have growing student populations and greater pressure on accommodation, while others may offer a different balance between student demand and available beds.

London remains a major destination for UK and international students. The UK Student Accommodation report published by Cushman & Wakefield in January 2026 shows that London’s student demand pool reached 279,615 in the 2024/25 academic year, an increase of 5.6% year on year and 53.1% since 2019. Its student-to-bed ratio (SBR) stood at 2.93, indicating relatively high demand compared with the reported supply of student accommodation.

London offers a wide range of universities, courses, cultural attractions and employment opportunities. However, accommodation costs and commuting expenses can place considerable pressure on a student's budget.

Tips for students:

• Compare university-managed halls, private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and shared private rentals.

• Calculate your total monthly budget, including rent, bills, food and transport.

• Check the distance between your accommodation and campus, rather than relying on the advertised rent alone.

• Apply for accommodation early, particularly if you want a specific room type or location.

Birmingham and Manchester are among the major UK cities that have experienced substantial growth in student demand. Figures from Cushman & Wakefield indicate that London, Birmingham and Manchester collectively added approximately 129,390 students to their demand pools since 2019/20. Birmingham, Bristol and London also recorded growth in their international student populations in the latest year covered by the report.

These cities may be worth considering if you are looking for a broad selection of universities, courses and student facilities.

Tips for students:

• Compare course quality, entry requirements and graduate career opportunities alongside accommodation costs.

• Check whether your university provides guaranteed accommodation for eligible first-year students.

• Investigate neighbourhoods near your campus and along reliable public transport routes.

• Compare the full cost of living in each city before deciding where to study.

Plan ahead and secure suitable accommodation to enrich your university life in the UK.

Not every UK university city experiences the same level of student demand. Figures from Cushman & Wakefield identify declines in international student numbers in several locations, including Leeds, Sheffield, Swansea, Leicester and Edinburgh. It also records recent declines in the overall student demand pools of Dundee, Nottingham, Exeter and Liverpool.

This does not automatically mean that these cities are poor choices for students. A city with lower demand growth may still offer an excellent course, a supportive university community and accommodation that suits your needs.

Tips for students:

• Compare universities based on academic reputation, course content, teaching facilities and career support.

• Research accommodation prices and availability in the specific neighbourhood where you intend to live.

• Check whether suitable rooms are available for your arrival date and preferred contract length.

• Do not choose a university solely because you expect accommodation to be cheaper or easier to find.

With careful planning, you can secure suitable accommodation and enjoy a more comfortable and rewarding student experience in the UK.