Affordable Accomodation Options for Ghanaian Students in the UK

After selecting your course and university, the next thing you should consider is finding an affordable accommodation that suits your preference as a Ghanaian student in the UK. 

As Ghanaian students, it’s essential to research the available options thoroughly and consider factors like proximity to campus, rent, basic amenities, and social opportunities.

Book a free consultation with us at IBS Consult to avoid unnecessary stress as you plan to study abroad. 

Key highlights of students accommodation in the UK for Ghanaian Students:

• University Halls of Residence: On-campus, convenient, and community of like-minded people, but may have less privacy and limited availability.
• Private Student Accommodation: More modern, flexible, and independent, but can be more expensive.
• Shared Houses or Flats: Cost-effective and homely, with flexibility, but requires more responsibility and less social structure.
• Homestays (Living with a Host Family): Ideal for cultural immersion and support, but offers less independence and privacy.
• Private Rental Accommodation: Provides complete privacy and flexibility, but comes with higher costs and high maintenance.
• Studio Flats: Offers total independence and privacy, but can be expensive and have limited space.

One of the biggest worries of Ghanaian students after gaining admission to study in the UK is finding affordable accommodation in the UK. This is why we have written this detailed step-by-step guide for prospective Ghanaian students on finding affordable accommodation in the UK.

Many Ghanaian students who struggle to balance high living costs with their academic goals become frustrated. Avoid any frustration on accommodation in the UK by reading this guide to the end.  

We have curated a list of budget-friendly housing solutions, from university halls to private rentals, tailored specifically for prospective Ghanaian students planning to study in the UK. 

You need to note that most UK universities offer accommodation for their students. They provide information on their website on the range of housing options and their costs. They mostly give you access to their student housing databases.

Let’s get started with the list! Keep reading. 

TYPES OF STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN THE UK

There are some popular places you can get to live in the UK as a Ghanaian student. They all have their differences based on the amenities they provide, the location, cost and whether they are shared or private. 

These places are:

1. Halls of Residence 

These are buildings owned or managed by the university and are specifically designed for students. They offer a ready-made living environment and are usually close to the campus.

They are usually the first option students like due to the availability of basic facilities in the building. It is cheaper than other types of accommodation. On-campus accommodation is mostly booked for one academic year, and this is why it is often popular with the first-year students.

Apart from the necessary facilities, student halls afford you the opportunity to meet all kinds of new students with whom you can feel comfortable with. Either you find other Ghanaian students there, or students from other countries, you have the opportunity to build a community of like-minded people.

(Insert a picture of an on-campus hall of residence, showing how students co-habit together in the apartment).

Pros:

Convenience: University halls are typically located within walking distance to your university, making commuting easy and quick.

Community building: Living in halls allows you to meet other students, both local and international, which can help you make new friends and settle in quickly.

All-Inclusive Bills: Most halls offer all-inclusive pricing, covering rent, utilities (water, electricity, as well as broadband) and sometimes internet, which simplifies budgeting.

Cons:

Less Privacy: Shared bathrooms and kitchens are common, which might not be ideal for those who prefer their privacy.

Limited Choice: The room sizes and layouts may not be flexible, and availability can be limited, especially at the start of the academic year.

2. Private Student Accommodation

Private student accommodation is a popular alternative to university halls. These are privately owned buildings, often near universities, and are specifically designed for students. 

These privately owned dorms are more costly due to its high maintenance, but they offer the quality that merits the price.  Some of the most prominent privately owned student halls are APT Student Living in Wembley, Victoria Hall in London and Independent Student Living in West Hampstead. 

Private residences offer more flexibility with dates and also make it easier to choose your preferred location and choice of room. Note that they are not limited to students, so it’s possible you’ll end up sharing the apartment with a mixture of students and professionals.

(Insert a picture of a private student accommodation in the UK with amenities provided).

Pros:

Better Facilities: These private dorms provide better facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, high-speed internet, gyms, and social spaces than other student halls. The owners of the private halls ensure

best security system for the students. Covered with Closed-circuit television (CCTV), security guard facilities.

Independence: Private accommodations offer more freedom in terms of lifestyle.

Cons:

Higher Rent: Private student accommodation cost more than university halls, especially in prime locations.

All Bills are not always inluded: While some private accommodations include bills, others do not, so it’s important to clarify what is included in the rent.

3. Shared Houses or Flats

Another popular accommodation option for Ghanaian students in the UK is renting a shared house or flat. This type of accommodation involves renting a room in a private house or apartment with other students or professionals.

For Ghanaian students who prefer a more private setting, a shared flat or house with a couple of friends or colleagues would be the most suitable accommodation. You can find comfortable places to live in the UK within your price range. For those who like living alone and have the money for it, renting out a flat or house can be the best choice.

(Insert a picture of a shared flat, showing how housemates live together in a shared apartment).

Pros:

Economical bills: You can split rent and bills with housemates. This makes shared houses cheaper than private student accommodation. Shared houses give you a kind of homely feeling, with shared living rooms and kitchens where students can bond.

Flexibility: You have the option to rent for longer periods, which can be beneficial if you’re staying in the UK for more than one academic year.

Cons:

More Responsibility: As a tenant in a shared house, you might be responsible for chores and dealing with landlords or property agents.

Less Social: The social scene is not as structured as it is in university halls, so you may need to make an extra effort to meet new people.

4. Homestays (Living with a Host Family)

Homestays involve living with a British family. In this situation, you get a private room in their home, often with meals included. This type of accommodation is ideal for students who want a more familial environment.

(Insert a picture of a student living with a British family in the UK).

Pros:

British Culture: Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to experience British culture firsthand and improve your English.

Emotional support: For Ghanaian students who may experience homesickness, staying with a family can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Reduced Feeding Cost: Many homestays include breakfast and dinner, which can help with meal costs and ease your transition into living abroad.

Cons:

Less Independence: You’ll need to adapt to the rules and policies of your host family, which might limit your freedom.

Less Privacy: Living in a family home means you may have to share communal spaces with the family.

5. Studio Flats

Studio flats are self-contained apartments that include a living space, kitchen, and bathroom all in one room. They are popular with students who value privacy but still want to live in close proximity to their university.

Unsurprisingly, the cost of renting a studio apartment is higher than other available options.

Studio accommodation can play an important role for Ghanaian students in the UK who want to live in a home outside their home. 

(Insert a picture of a studio apartment in the UK).

Pros:

Privacy: With a studio flat, you have your own private space to study, cook, and sleep.

Convenience: Studio flats are often located in central areas, providing easy access to transport, shops, and other amenities.

Cons:

Expensive: Studio flats can be a bit steep, especially in major cities like London, Edinburgh, or Manchester.

Limited Space: Studio flats can be small, which might not suit those who like to entertain guests.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE SEARCHING FOR A STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN THE UK

As soon as you receive your offer, you need to plan for some things before researching your student accommodation in the UK.

• Plan your budget

The first thing that matters is your budget. It serves as the foundation for all other things you’ll consider before getting an accommodation in the UK. It will determine where you want and how you want it.

• Select area

 All areas are not the same in the UK. Accommodation costs more in cities and town than in remote area. Choosing an accommodation close to the university will reduce your transport bills.

• Choose living partner

To cut costs of accommodation, you can choose to share a house with other housemates. But you should be wise enough to carefully choose those you’ll be living with. 

• Get necessary documents ready

Agencies usually need some documents for rent before they will make an agreement with you for house. In UK, landlords take monthly rent with agency approval. So, as an international student you have to take house for rent from agency with certain documents. 

Conclusion

The UK offers various types of housing options that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets. We hope you get the clarity you need with this detailed step-by-step guide, as a Ghanaian student who is unsure of where and how to find affordable and sustainable accommodation in the UK.

Whichever option you choose, make sure it suits your needs and your convenience. It’s important you settle into your new environment comfortably.

Contact us today for a personalized support from IBS Consult. Book a free consultation with us now.