The most affordable UK university cities for students to live in
With students now scrambling for accommodation before the new university year starts, research has found the cheapest cities to live in.
Analysing property data from over 100 university towns and cities across the UK, StudentTenant has found the most affordable places to live and study.
The University of Sunderland may have come 107th in the university rankings, but the city of Sunderland offers the cheapest student accommodation in the UK.
Those studying and renting in Sunderland spend about £2,897 a year on student accommodation, saving about £2,450 per year on the national average of £5,353.
The University of Bradford is the second cheapest place for students to live in the UK. With an annual average rent of £3,008, students in Bradford are saving as much as £2,344 a year.
The third cheapest place Pontypridd in Wales. Students studying at the University of South Wales are spending £3,078 a year on accommodation, saving about £2,274 annually.
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And despite ranking among the top 100 universities globally, and being a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group and home to over 25,000 students, Southampton is also one of the 10 cheapest cities for student accommodation in the UK.
In fact, research shows Southampton offers the most bang for your buck when it comes to education, with accommodation prices averaging at £4,093 a year, with savings of £1,259 per year compared with the national average.
“With the cost of living for students on the constant rise, and the threat of landlords increasing rents to offset costs due to the tenant fee ban and other legislative changes, it’s good to see that there are still certain areas in the UK which offer affordable student accommodation,” said StudentTenant’s managing director Danielle Cullen.
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“This could lead to talented individuals having to sacrifice places at top universities because of high rental prices.
“University fees have risen significantly over the years. We would suggest that those prestigious universities with places they would like to fill with talented young people – particularly during clearing – should consider subsidising rents for students who might not have the family financial support of others.”
