Renting in the UK as an international student

Most courses start in September, and many postgraduate courses start in January. Homes for both intakes are listed months ahead, so start looking as soon as you have an offer from your university.

On RentNow you can filter by September or January start, and search by your university to see the closest homes first.

A studio is one room with your own kitchen area and bathroom. A 1-bed flat has a separate bedroom and living space. A room in a shared flat gives you your own bedroom and shares the kitchen (and sometimes the bathroom) with other tenants — usually the cheapest option.

Check whether bills (energy, water, internet) are included in the rent. Every RentNow listing says so.

In England, a tenancy deposit can't be more than five weeks' rent (where the annual rent is under £50,000), and a holding deposit to reserve a home can't be more than one week's rent.

Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it and tell you which scheme they used. You get it back at the end of the tenancy, minus any fair deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

Letting fees are banned: you can't be charged for viewings, referencing, admin or setting up the contract.

Landlords in England must check that you have the right to rent before your tenancy starts. International students usually prove this with their eVisa: you create a share code on GOV.UK ("View and prove your immigration status") and give it to the landlord.

If your visa hasn't been granted yet, tell the landlord your expected decision date when you make your offer — you can add your visa status to your RentNow profile so landlords see it.

Many landlords ask for a guarantor — someone who agrees to pay the rent if you can't. Some landlords only accept a guarantor who lives in the UK.

If you don't have one, ask the landlord what they accept: options can include a guarantor company or a parent overseas. Add your guarantor situation to your profile so landlords know up front.

Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England are rolling (periodic) tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act. You can usually end yours by giving the landlord two months' notice in writing.

Purpose-built student halls can work differently, so read your contract. On RentNow the contract is generated from the terms you agreed and you can read every clause before you e-sign.

If everyone living in the home is a full-time student, the home is exempt from council tax. Your university can give you a student certificate to send to the local council.

If bills aren't included, you'll set up energy, water and internet yourself. You need a TV licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.

Never pay money for a home you haven't viewed — in person or by live video — and never pay before you've seen the contract.

Be wary of anyone who pushes you to pay quickly, asks for payment by gift card or crypto, or won't let you view. On RentNow you message landlords, book viewings and sign inside the platform.