Start in halls, move to a private let or share once you know the city
Most new Bangladeshi students should book university halls of residence for the first year, then consider a private let or house share once they've met flatmates and understand the local market. Rent figures below are approximate ranges at roughly £1 ≈ ৳155 — always verify current listings and deposit rules yourself.
Halls vs private lets vs house shares
Each suits a different stage of your first year in the UK.
| Option | Weekly cost | Deposit/paperwork | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| University halls (catered) | £150–320 | Deposit only, booked via the university portal | First year — safest, meals included, closest to campus support |
| University halls (self-catered) | £120–260 | Deposit only | First year students who want to cook their own food, still low admin |
| Private studio/1-bed flat (purpose-built student accommodation) | £180–380 | Deposit + guarantor usually required | Students who want privacy and don't mind paying more |
| House share with 3–5 flatmates (private landlord) | £90–200 per room | 5 weeks' deposit + guarantor, joint or individual tenancy | Second year onward — cheapest per person, more independence |
| Homestay with a UK family | £120–220 | Deposit only, meals sometimes included | Improving English fast in the first weeks, especially for younger students |
Halls applications are usually tied to your CAS and enrolment confirmation and open well before the academic year starts — apply the moment you accept your university offer, since popular halls fill up months in advance of September and January intakes.
Typical monthly rents by city
| City | Room in a share | 1-bedroom flat |
|---|---|---|
| London | £700–1,100 (৳1,08,500–1,70,500) | £1,600–2,400 (৳2,48,000–3,72,000) |
| Manchester | £450–650 (৳69,750–1,00,750) | £950–1,350 (৳1,47,250–2,09,250) |
| Birmingham | £420–620 (৳65,100–96,100) | £850–1,250 (৳1,31,750–1,93,750) |
| Glasgow | £400–580 (৳62,000–89,900) | £800–1,150 (৳1,24,000–1,78,250) |
| Leeds | £380–560 (৳58,900–86,800) | £750–1,100 (৳1,16,250–1,70,500) |
These are approximate ranges — always check current listings on Rightmove, SpareRoom or your university's accredited landlord list for the specific area near your campus, since rent can vary sharply even within the same city.
The UK guarantor problem — and how to solve it
Most private landlords and letting agents require a UK-based guarantor — someone with UK residency, a UK income and often UK credit history — to co-sign the tenancy. As a new international student, you almost never have one.
- 1
Offer to pay 6 or 12 months' rent upfront
Many landlords and agents will waive the guarantor requirement if you can pay a large lump sum in advance — ask explicitly, and get written confirmation of what this changes about the tenancy terms.
- 2
Use a paid guarantor service
Companies such as Housing Hand, Rent Guarantor and UK Guarantors act as your guarantor for a one-time fee (commonly a percentage of the annual rent). Compare at least two providers, read the fee and refund terms carefully, and confirm the service is accepted by your specific landlord or agent before paying.
- 3
Ask your university's accommodation office
Many universities keep a list of guarantor-friendly, university-accredited landlords used to housing international students, and some universities offer their own guarantor scheme for students in halls or approved private housing.
- 4
Bring your CAS, bank statements and offer letter
Some landlords accept strong proof of funds as a partial alternative to a guarantor — always ask before assuming you'll be rejected outright.
Deposit protection, bills and council tax
- ✓Your deposit must be protected by law
For an assured shorthold tenancy in England and Wales, the landlord must place your deposit in a government-approved scheme (e.g. DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days and give you the scheme details in writing — ask for proof.
- ✓Bills-included vs not
Halls and purpose-built student accommodation are usually bills-included (electricity, gas, water, internet, contents insurance). Private house shares often are not — budget an extra £60–120/month per person for utilities and broadband if bills are separate.
- ✓Full-time students are exempt from council tax
If every occupant of the property is a full-time student, the household is exempt from council tax — apply for the exemption certificate from your university and submit it to the local council yourself; it is not automatic.
- ✓Right-to-rent checks
Landlords in England are legally required to check your immigration status (via your eVisa share code or passport) before letting to you — this is normal and not a scam, but only share your share code directly with the landlord or a verified letting agent.
Rental scams that specifically target new international students
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