How Much Does Student Housing Cost? A Parent’s Guide to Budgeting for University Life

One of the biggest questions parents ask when their child is heading to university is:

“How much does student housing actually cost?”

With so many options available — from shared houses and private halls to studios and en-suites — and every letting agency advertising different rent structures, it can be difficult to know what’s normal, what’s included, and how much to budget.

At Student Housing, we believe in being upfront and transparent. So here’s a complete guide to student housing costs in 2025, how it all works, and tips to help you support your child financially — without any nasty surprises.

💷 What’s the Average Cost of Student Housing?

The cost of student housing can vary depending on the city, type of property, and what’s included in the rent. Here’s a general breakdown of average weekly rent prices in Lincoln and Nottingham for the 2025–26 academic year:

🏡 Lincoln:

• Shared student house (bills included): £100–£130 per week

• Studio or 1-bed apartment: £160–£190 per week

• En-suite in purpose-built block: £145–£165 per weew

🏙️ Nottingham:

• Shared student house (bills included): £120–£145 per week

• Studio or 1-bed apartment: £170–£210 per week

• En-suite in purpose-built block: £155–£180 per week

These figures are based on the current Student Housing portfolio across both cities. Our pricing includes all bills, meaning there are no hidden extras — more on that below.

🔌 Bills Included vs. Bills Exclusive — What’s the Difference?

When comparing properties, you’ll often see the terms “bills included” and “bills exclusive.” Here’s what they really mean:

• Bills Included: The rent covers gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licence. This makes budgeting easier and removes the hassle of setting up and managing utility accounts.

  ✅ All Student Housing properties are bills included.

• Bills Exclusive: Tenants pay a lower weekly rent but must manage and split the bills themselves. This can work for experienced sharers, but costs can vary depending on energy usage — and it adds admin.

👉 For parents, bills included usually offers greater peace of mind — fewer variables, no surprise bills, and no need for your child to manage utilities.

🧾 What Other Costs Should Parents Expect?

Aside from rent, there are a few other housing-related costs to factor in:

• Deposit: Usually £300. Protected in a government-backed scheme.

• Guarantor: Most tenancies require a parent or guardian to co-sign (more info here: Deed of Guarantee).

• Summer retainers: Rare with Student Housing, but some landlords charge discounted rent over summer to secure a property early.

• Council tax: Full-time students are exempt, but if your child lives with someone who isn’t, this may apply.

💡 Budgeting Tips for Parents

If you’re supporting your child financially through university, here are a few practical ways to manage the cost of student accommodation:

1. Set a Monthly Housing Budget

Factor in 11–12 months of rent depending on the tenancy. Most contracts are 48–52 weeks long.

2. Choose Bills Included

It reduces uncertainty and ensures they won’t be left without heating or Wi-Fi mid-term.

3. Consider Location

Houses slightly further from campus are often cheaper. We offer options in quieter student areas that balance cost and comfort.

4. Get Financial Support

Check your child’s eligibility for maintenance loans, bursaries, or parental contributions based on household income. Universities often offer hardship funds too.

5. Avoid Credit-Based Services

We never ask students to sign up to bill-splitting apps that require credit checks. Our pricing is fixed, fair, and student-first.

🔍 Example: Realistic Monthly Housing Costs

Let’s say your child lives in a bills-included shared house in Lincoln:

• Rent: £120/week

• Monthly cost: £120 x 52 ÷ 12 = ~£520/month

• Deposit: £300 (held securely and returned at end of tenancy)

That’s £520 per month for everything — rent, gas, water, electricity, broadband, and TV licence. No further admin, setup, or billing.

🤝 Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We know that budgeting for university life can feel overwhelming — especially with rising costs and financial pressure. That’s why we make sure our pricing is clear, and our team is available to answer any questions you have along the way.

You can explore our full Parent Hub here:

👉 www.student-housing.co.uk/parents

For FAQs on rent schedules, contracts and deposit handling, visit:

👉 FAQ: Parents Tab

✅ Final Thoughts

Rent is usually the single biggest cost in a student’s life — but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With transparent pricing, bills included, and expert support, Student Housing helps parents budget confidently and students live comfortably.

If you’re still comparing options, we’re happy to walk you through what’s available in Lincoln, Nottingham or Hull — just get in touch.