Studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity for international students, offering world-class universities, diverse cultures, and strong global career prospects. However, rising tuition fees and living costs have made affordability a major concern when choosing where to study. While cities like London and Oxford are academically prestigious, they often come with significantly higher living expenses, especially for accommodation.
For many international students, selecting the right city is about balancing academic quality with realistic budgeting. Affordable cities can offer lower rent, manageable daily expenses, and a vibrant student lifestyle—without compromising educational standards. This guide highlights the Top 5 Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students, focusing on cities that combine strong universities with lower living costs and accessible student accommodation options.
1. Sheffield
Why Sheffield Is Affordable for Students?
Sheffield is one of the best value cities in the UK for students. Located in South Yorkshire, it offers a lower cost of living compared to southern cities while maintaining a high quality of student life. The city’s compact layout also helps reduce transportation costs.
Sheffield’s strong student housing supply ensures competitive pricing, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious international students. As a city built around its universities, Sheffield offers a wide range of cheap student accommodation in Sheffield, making it easier for students to find housing that fits their budget compared to many other major UK study destinations. Whether you prefer the bustling vibe of West Street or the leafy, relaxed atmosphere of Broomhill, there is a surplus of high-quality housing stock available. By securing a budget-friendly room here, you free up more of your budget to explore the incredible local music scene and outdoor activities that make Sheffield unique.
Average Sheffield Student Accommodation Costs
- Shared accommodation: £72–£130 per week
- En-suite rooms: £120–£145 per week
- Studio apartments: £150–£260 per week
Popular Universities in Sheffield
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield Hallam University
2. Cardiff
Why Cardiff Is Affordable for Students?
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff offers a unique blend of city life and affordability. Living costs are generally lower than in major English cities, while students still benefit from excellent transport links, cultural attractions, and a welcoming international community. One of the primary financial benefits of living in Cardiff is the city’s walkability. Its relatively compact city centre allows students to live close to campus, reducing commuting expenses and improving overall affordability.
When it comes to rent, the market is very tenant-friendly. Most student areas, such as Cathays and Roath, are within easy walking distance of the city centre and campuses. In recent years, the city has seen significant development, resulting in a broad supply of cheap student accommodation in Cardiff, including modern PBSA and shared housing options close to the heart of student hubs. Living here allows you to enjoy the perks of a capital city without the price tag, whether that’s attending major sporting events at the Principality Stadium or exploring the historic Victorian arcades.
Average Cardiff Student Accommodation Costs
- Shared accommodation: £100–£150 per week
- En-suite rooms: £140–£190 per week
- Studio apartments: £180–£250 per week
Popular Universities in Cardiff
- Cardiff University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of South Wales
3. Liverpool
Why Liverpool Is Affordable for Students?
Liverpool combines affordability with a vibrant cultural scene. It is famous for The Beatles, football, and its maritime history. It is a city with a massive global reputation but a very grounded local economy. The city is consistently ranked among the cheapest cities in the UK for university students. Liverpool offers lower accommodation costs than many other major UK cities, while still delivering a dynamic student experience.
Rent prices in Liverpool are competitive, particularly compared to nearby Manchester. Liverpool’s extensive student housing market helps keep rents competitive, particularly in areas close to university campuses. To maximize your budget for the city’s legendary nightlife and concerts, you can easily secure cheap student accommodation liverpool in the city centre or the popular student district of Smithdown Road. The abundance of converted warehouses and modern student blocks means competitive pricing is the norm. By choosing Liverpool, you are choosing a city where a limited budget doesn’t stop you from having a world-class social life.
Average Liverpool Student Accommodation Costs
- Shared accommodation: £80–£120 per week
- En-suite rooms: £130–£180 per week
- Studio apartments: £150–£250 per week
Popular Universities in Liverpool
- University of Liverpool
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Liverpool Hope University
4. Derby
Why Derby Is Affordable for Students?
Derby might not be the first name on every international student’s list, but it is undoubtedly one of the smartest affordable UK cities you can choose. Located right in the centre of the UK, Derby is a powerhouse of engineering and innovation, home to industry giants like Rolls-Royce and Toyota. For students at the University of Derby, this connects directly to excellent internship and graduate job opportunities.
The cost of living in Derby is exceptionally low. Everything from groceries to gym memberships tends to be cheaper here than the national average. Housing in Derby are affordable. You can often find modern en-suite rooms in Derby starting from , the same price as a small box room in larger cities. Furthermore, Derby’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the rest of the UK. You can reach Nottingham, Birmingham, and even London easily by train.
Average Derby Student Accommodation Costs
- Shared accommodation: £85–£110 per week
- En-suite rooms: £115–£145 per week
- Studio apartments: £160–£200 per week
Popular University in Derby
University of Derby
5. Glasgow
Why Glasgow Is Affordable for Students?
Glasgow stands out as one of the most affordable large cities in the UK. Compared to Edinburgh and London, rents in Glasgow are considerably lower, allowing students to enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle on a modest budget. The expansive public transport network, including the “Clockwork Orange” subway system, makes commuting cheap and easy, ensuring you can navigate the city without breaking the bank.
Glasgow is its cultural heart of Scotland. It is the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, hosting an average of 130 music events every week. Known as the “World’s Friendliest City,” Glasgow offers a warm welcome that helps international students feel at home instantly. With a rich cultural scene and a large international student population, Glasgow delivers excellent value for money.
Average Glasgow Student Accommodation Costs
- Shared accommodation: £90–£130 per week
- En-suite rooms: £135–£180 per week
- Studio apartments: £180–£240 per week
Popular Universities in Glasgow
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- The Glasgow School of Art
- Glasgow Caledonian University
Tips for Finding UK Student Accommodation at Lowest Cost
Across all UK cities, accommodation typically represents the largest portion of a student’s monthly expenses. Rent prices can vary significantly depending on location, room type, and proximity to campus. Choosing the right accommodation early can make a substantial difference in overall affordability.
Finding suitable housing from overseas can be challenging, especially for first-time international students who need to balance location, quality, and budget. Platforms like uhomes.com, which is committed to offering international student accommodation in the UK, help students compare verified housing options across most major UK student cities, including Sheffield, Cardiff, Derby, Liverpool, and Glasgow.
A key advantage of uhomes.com is its strong focus on affordability and price transparency. Through official partnerships with leading UK PBSA providers, the platform offers access to the best rental rates across a wide range of cities, alongside exclusive student deals. uhomes.com also provides a price match guarantee—if the same room is found at a lower price on another platform during the same period, uhomes.com will match the better rate, helping students secure accommodation at the lowest available price online.
In addition, all uhomes.com student homes are utility bills included, covering electricity, water, heating, internet, etc. No troublesome separate bills, no hidden cost. This makes it easier for international students to plan their total living expenses in advance, ensuring greater budget certainty before moving to the UK.
Quick Comparison Table: Affordable Student Cities in UK
| City | Avg Weekly Rent | Total Living Cost | Student Population |
| Sheffield | £95–£160 | Low | High |
| Cardiff | £100–£180 | Low–Medium | High |
| Derby | £85–£160 | Low | Medium |
| Liverpool | £90–£180 | Medium | Very High |
| Glasgow | £90–£280 | Medium | Very High |
Conclusion
Choosing to study in a city like Sheffield, Cardiff, Liverpool, Derby, or Glasgow proves that “affordable” doesn’t mean “boring.” In fact, the reduced financial pressure often leads to a more balanced and enjoyable university experience.
Remember, the key to securing the best rates is timing—start your search early. Platforms like uhomes.com make this easier by offering student properties with bills included, helping you avoid hidden costs and budget surprises. You can also explore housing just outside the city centre for even better deals. With the right location and the perfect home, your UK study adventure can be as affordable as it is unforgettable.
