Save the Student’s 2025 student accommodation survey findings show the current landscape for student living in the UK. The results found that students most commonly lived in a privately rented house or apartment.
At 35%, this is slightly down on last year’s figure (39%), and reflects an almost equal but opposite shift in those living in university accommodation (29%, up from 24%). Of the respondents who pay rent, the average cost was £563 per month. This represents a 2.4% increase on 2024 (£550), which itself was a 2.8% increase on 2023 (£535).
Surveyed students in London face the highest average rent in the UK, at £812 per month – almost £150 more than any other region. At £663 per month, respondents in Scotland reported the second most expensive average rent. However, outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the cost in smaller towns and cities will likely be lower.
“Despite the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill aiming to improve conditions for tenants, we fear it won’t be enough to rectify the state of student housing.
“Thankfully, this year’s survey findings point to some small improvements. Compared to 2024, fewer students told us they’re struggling with the cost of rent, and there’s been a decline in the proportion who say it impacts their health.
“But across the board, the results suggest that the landscape is still far tougher than before the cost of living crisis. For instance, while 59% of respondents saying they struggle with rent is an improvement on last year’s 64%, it’s still far higher than the 50% who said the same in 2021. And, of course, even that was far too high.”
Tom Allingham, Money Expert, Save the Student
Those in the West Midlands (£466 per month) paid the lowest average rent in the UK, closely followed by respondents in Wales (£473 per month) and the North West of England (£486 per month). The average cost of student energy bills has increased. This year, respondents reported an average of £88 per month, up from £86 last year, £85 in 2023 and £62 in 2022.
Among the respondents who pay rent, their parents contribute an average of £224 per month to cover the cost. This represents a modest increase on 2024 (£214 per month), which itself was substantially up on the previous year (£145 per month).
69% of respondents said they’d had at least one problem with their property – a very slight increase on the previous two surveys (both 68%). Almost half (47%) had experienced two or more, while 7% had at least five separate issues.
