Finding safe, affordable, and student-friendly accommodation in the UK is one of the most important steps for Nigerian students preparing to study abroad. While many UK universities offer on-campus accommodation, some students prefer to live off-campus in private housing or shared apartments.
Thanks to various online platforms, booking your student housing before arriving in the UK has become much easier. This article highlights the top accommodation platforms in the UK that Nigerian students can use to find a suitable place to live.
1. University Accommodation Portals
Most UK universities provide on-campus accommodation for first-year international students. Once you’re accepted, the school sends links to apply for university housing.
Pros:
- Safe and secure
- Closer to lecture halls
- Bills often included
Tip: Always apply early, as spaces fill up fast.
2. Unilodgers
Unilodgers is a global student accommodation platform trusted by thousands of international students, including Nigerians.
Why Choose Unilodgers:
- Offers verified student housing options
- 24/7 support and booking assistance
- Rent includes utilities (electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
Best for: Students looking for professionally managed student residences in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds.
3. Amber Student
AmberStudent connects students to premium housing in the UK. It partners with top property providers to offer secure and student-centric homes.
Features:
- Affordable rates
- Flexible payment options
- Live virtual tours
Ideal for: Nigerian students looking for off-campus accommodation near their universities.
4. Student.com
Student.com is a popular platform used by international students globally. It offers thousands of listings across major UK student cities.
Key Benefits:
- Multilingual support team
- Verified listings
- Compare multiple options in one place
Popular Locations: London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, and more.
5. Rightmove and Zoopla
Traditionally, these platforms list regular property rentals, but they also list student flats and shared houses.
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
Good for:
- Students in groups looking to rent a house together
- More independence than student halls
Note: These sites are better for second-year and returning students who are already in the UK.
6. SpareRoom
SpareRoom is ideal for finding room shares and flatmates in the UK.
Why It’s Useful:
- Allows you to search for roommates by age, gender, interests
- Useful for short-term or budget-friendly housing
Tip: Always ask for a video tour and confirm details before payment.
7. Urbanest and IQ Student Accommodation
Urbanest and IQ offer premium student housing in prime locations across UK cities.
- Urbanest
- IQ Student Accommodation
Benefits:
- High-quality rooms and modern facilities
- On-site gym, laundry, security
- Community events for students
Great for: Students who want high-end accommodation near university campuses.
8. Facebook Groups & Nigerian Student Communities
There are many Nigerian student groups on Facebook and WhatsApp for each UK university. You can connect with fellow Nigerians for tips and even available rooms.
Example searches:
- “Nigerian Students in University of Hertfordshire”
- “Nigerian Students in Coventry University UK”
Be Cautious: Avoid scams—never send money before verifying.
Final Tips for Nigerian Students
- Start early: Begin searching as soon as you get your CAS letter.
- Set a budget: UK student housing can range from £400–£900/month depending on city and type.
- Check what’s included: Some accommodations include utility bills and Wi-Fi, others don’t.
- Ask for a contract: Always have a signed rental agreement.
- Don’t fall for scams: Use trusted platforms and avoid private listings that seem too cheap.
Need Help Finding Housing?
If you’re applying through trusted study abroad agencies like Admission Group Nigeria or NWC Education Nigeria (no agency fee), they often assist with accommodation search and pre-departure support.
