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Posted Oct. 15, 2025

Saving money on student housing – a guide for postgrads

Student housing costs aren’t getting any cheaper. In fact, rising rents have sparked a crisis throughout communities of undergraduate and postgraduate students. New data has revealed that nearly a third of students in the UK are struggling to meet their housing costs, with many relying on food banks to rebalance their budgets.

With this in mind, getting the best bang for your buck in the city and elsewhere is a priority for almost every student. Thankfully, there are a number of practical tips that can help. Read on to discover our advice for saving money on your postgraduate accommodation and enjoy every aspect of the postgraduate study experience.

Weigh up your options

With a 2.9 million-strong student population in the UK, and an increasing number of students pursuing postgraduate degrees (including doctorate research, postgraduate certificates, masters programs and PG diplomas), there is plenty of housing out there for students.

From private house shares to purpose-built, bespoke accommodation, there are so many student accommodation options to explore. Select accommodation that works well for you and your budget. Many postgraduates choose to share a regular rental flat or house with other postgrads or professionals, cutting costs by hundreds of pounds per month.

Consider postgraduate halls

Some universities offer postgrad-specific halls, which can be cheaper than private lets. The cost of halls and other purpose-built postgrad accommodation often include bills, meaning no nasty surprises and plenty of certainty throughout your time there.

They’re also much, much quieter, which will be welcome news if you’ve left your undergraduate partying lifestyle behind! While far less common than undergraduate halls, postgraduate-only halls of residence are well worth exploring early.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

Negotiation is key, especially when renting student housing. As a postgraduate, you are actually in a stronger position than undergrad students.

Postgrads for instance often stay year-round while undergraduate students prefer 39- to 45-week contracts. Landlords are often happier with longer, stable tenancies and may agree to a slightly lower rent in exchange, so be sure to put those negotiation skills to the test.

Take the trade-off and travel

Increasing your search area can also save money. Many postgrads choose to live slightly outside the city or town centre to cut costs and enjoy a quieter life, especially in major hubs like London, Manchester and Edinburgh. If you are considering becoming a ‘commuter student’, you’re not alone, as Save the Student explains:

“As is the case every year, students in our survey most commonly lived in a privately rented house or flat… Commuter students are a growing talking point in the sector, and the proportion of respondents living with their parents or guardians remains at 15% for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, the average distance students live from their university has increased to 26 minutes.”

When viewing postgraduate accommodation that’s a little further away from campus, take the time to check local transport links. Consider the cost of commuting too; monthly travelcard prices in London and other UK cities can be steep, even with student discounts.

University-affiliated housing based further afield is another option, and they often include bus or shuttle transport to and from campus free-of-charge.

Need help finding affordable student housing? Check out our accommodation zone for advice and support.

Related articles

UK Student Housing Costs Explained: Here’s What You Need To Know

Cost Of Postgrad Accommodation In The UK

Our Top Tips For Budgeting During Your Postgraduate Studies

 

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