In many areas of the UK there is a shortage of student accommodation, so you must start making arrangements as soon as you have been accepted on your course. It is important that you arrange some form of accommodation before you arrive in the UK, even if it is only temporary. It is best to do this before you leave your home country. Accommodation provided by the institution might be the most suitable type if you are coming to the UK for the first time. It will provide you with opportunities to get to know other students and become involved in the social life of the institution.
Residents live in study bedrooms, either alone or sharing with another student.
Bathrooms and other facilities are usually shared, but en-suite rooms are becoming more common. Telephones are normally provided on each floor, but some institutions may provide one in each room. Halls of residence usually provide breakfast and an evening meal, but the food may be basic and not familiar to you. Many international students prefer this type of accommodation because you can choose what to eat and how the food is prepared. Some institutions have a small number of self-catering flats for students with families.