Cities
London is the most expensive. Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle offer lower rents and large student populations. Smaller university towns can be cheaper again and are friendlier for first-time students.
Where to live
- University halls: the easiest first year. Apply as soon as you hold an offer, because places go quickly.
- Private halls: purpose-built blocks with bills included. Good value in some cities, costly in others.
- Shared houses: usually cheaper from the second year. Check the contract, the deposit scheme and who pays the bills.
Rental safety
- Never pay a deposit before you have viewed the room or checked the landlord. Landlords should protect deposits in a government-approved scheme.
- Read the guarantor requirements. Many landlords ask for a UK guarantor, and some accept a payment scheme for international students instead.
Health, banking and daily life
- The Immigration Health Surcharge you pay with the visa gives you access to the NHS. Register with a local GP when you arrive.
- Open a student bank account after enrolment, when you can get a letter from the university.
- A railcard and student bus passes can cut travel costs a lot.
- Join the Nepali student society for community, food and festivals.
Our accommodation page has more tips.
Check before you rely on it. Rents, deposit rules and guarantor schemes vary by city and landlord. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on the UKCISA guidance for international students or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.
Talk to WIEC about the UK
Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026