Why student housing doesn't have to break the bank

As they open their A-level results and make their final choice of university, another decision looms almost as large for prospective students: where they are going to live, and how much it's going to cost them. A report just published reveals that students are not only spending more on accommodation than ever before, but also that rent prices play a crucial role in determining their choice of institution.

The research, carried out by the housing website accommodationforstudents.com, shows that rental costs are now a student's biggest single expense, accounting for more than 40 per cent of their weekly spending. This figure rises to 50 per cent if they choose to study in London.

The average student rent in the UK is now £60.58 per week, rising from £58.19 last year. Universities based in the south of England are still the most expensive, with London predictably leading the pack: on average, students in the capital pay £102 a week for a room in a shared flat, excluding bills.

"Students have to consider seriously the cost of accommodation when choosing a university," says Simon Thompson, co-founder and director of Accommodation for Students. "Seven years ago you could live in a private house with flatmates for around £50 a week: now it's acceptable to pay £80. In such a short space of time, the difference is quite staggering."

Demand for housing in London has never been higher, and students still flock to the city despite having to pay well over the national average to live there: the pull of the capital still seems to be irresistible for many.

"London is clearly an expensive city, but we certainly haven't noticed a drop in the numbers of people applying here," says Siobhan Cosgrove, an accommodation officer at UCL. "Living costs are no doubt a factor, but people still come to university here just to be in London."

There's even a new luxury housing development, Nido Student Living, opening in September at King's Cross. It's aimed at well-off students, and is not affiliated to any university: a studio room costs £180 per week, but you do get your own bathroom, kitchen and free access to the on-site gym and cinema. It's certainly a far cry from your typical dirty student dig.

However, the size of a city is not always an indicator of high rents: there is often more competition for accommodation in smaller places that are home to well-regarded universities. St Andrews is the third most expensive place in the UK to live as a student - a flat there will set you back £82 per week on average - and rents in Durham have also increased rapidly over the past few years.

But never fear. For a start, you'll almost definitely be in halls of residence during your first year, so you've got plenty of time to size up the area you'd like to live in and decide how much you're willing to pay. Most universities have accommodation officers on hand to help you find your first shared flat: they usually have lists of approved landlords so you know you won't be dealing with anyone untrustworthy.

Word of mouth is another great way to find affordable, decent quality housing. Talk to older students who are about to leave the area: there's nobody in a better position to tell you about the best flats and quietest neighbourhoods, or to warn you which landlords to avoid. You might even be able to move straight into the flat they are vacating. But nowadays you don't even have to leave your bedroom to get the latest buzz on where to stay: the internet can do the work for you.

At the website StudentSay.co.uk, students can submit reviews of houses and landlords in their area, sharing their experiences with anyone who cares to listen. The founder, 21-year-old student Tom Moor, hopes the service will prevent students being ripped off by estate agents and landlords who know they are dealing with inexperienced, first-time renters.

"Before you actually move into a property, there's no way of knowing what it's really going to be like," says Moor. "Some of the rooms may be really draughty, or the place could be noisy at night. But using the website, you can search for your city and read reviews written by students, for students."

He is also convinced that despite the countrywide increase in student rent prices, there are still bargains to be had if you look hard enough. But the most important thing is to start the selection process as early as you can, so you won't be in a mad rush when the time comes to sign a housing contract.

"Picking the right house is incredibly important," Moor says. "It could affect your entire year, and your overall enjoyment of university. Last year I was in a house that was freezing cold, and it really makes you miserable."

For help finding a flat, contact your university's accommodation officer, or try the following websites: www.accommodationforstudents.com; www.studentsay.co.uk

Were housing costs a consideration when you chose your university?

Chris Harper, 21, studying classics at Queen's College, Oxford

"Yes. I'm paying £75 a week to live out this year, and that's in the cheapest part of Oxford. Most colleges here offer guaranteed accommodation for at least two years of your degree, which was a big selling point for me, especially as I'm on a four-year course."

Daniel Tozer, 20, studying law at the University of Teesside

"Yes. Last year I was paying £31 a week to share a house with my girlfriend. I'm from Kent originally and I knew I wanted to come up north to university anyway, but the rent prices were definitely a consideration - I thought I'd have a better quality of life up here and not have to work so hard."

Grace Somers, 20, studying English literature at the University of St Andrews

"Not really. I'm now paying £105 a week to live in a four-bedroom flat, but when I applied I was living in Argentina, and the student guide I bought didn't mention accommodation being all that expensive. The fact that it was a good university was more important - rent was at the very back of my mind."

Cheryl Coffey, 22, studying American studies at the University of Hull

"Yes and no. Last year I paid £47 a week, which included all the bills except the phone. When I was originally looking at where to apply to, I did take into account the cost of living out. But I didn't get into my first choice university, so then it was just a case of going somewhere that would take me, no matter how cheap or expensive it was."

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