Why private apartments beat PBSAs at £600 a week
Every year, we’re contacted by students – particularly international students – in search of comfortable, safe, and well-located housing for their studies. More often than not, they come to us with a budget in mind. A common figure? £600 a week.
If you’re working with that kind of weekly budget, it’s important to know exactly what you can get for your money. And you might be surprised: with just a small stretch, you could upgrade your living experience significantly – well beyond what traditional Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) offers.
What are your options as a student?
As a student coming to the UK, especially from overseas, you’ll find a wide variety of housing types available, each with its own pros and cons:
University halls – Typically the first port of call for undergraduates. Affordable, social, but often cramped and basic.
Shared homes – Common among second- and third-year students, but less secure and often inconsistently maintained.
Budget rentals – A lower upfront cost, but you’ll need to furnish, manage bills, and possibly sacrifice on location or quality.
PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) – Privately managed, centrally located, and designed specifically for students.
Private student apartments – The top tier of student living, offering premium amenities, prime locations, and more independence.
While PBSAs are often seen as the gold standard for private student housing, they’re not always the most sensible choice – especially when you’re working with a healthy budget like £600 per week.
PBSAs: Comfortable, but not without compromise
There’s no denying that PBSAs are popular for good reason. They’re usually close to campus, offer a secure environment, and include useful perks like study rooms, common lounges, and on-site support. Some even include gyms or cinema rooms.
But here’s the reality: the average weekly cost of a PBSA in the UK currently ranges between £166 and £341 per person. For that, you get a premium living experience that’s safe, secure, and includes flexible lease terms.
Our typical weekly cost for private student apartments in London is around £650, though in other UK cities this price can be slightly lower, often starting from around £525 per week. For that investment, you receive a significantly upgraded living experience with more space, better amenities, and greater comfort.
More importantly, availability of PBSAs is limited. With rising student numbers and the UK’s ongoing housing shortage, securing a spot in a well-reviewed PBSA is increasingly difficult. Many students face long waitlists or end up compromising on location, room size, or facilities.
Why private apartments make more sense at £600 a week
As previously highlighted, if you’re budgeting around £600 a week, then you’re well within range to upgrade to a high-end private student apartment.
And what you get in return is a huge leap in quality and comfort.
Private apartments offer:
Private, fully furnished spaces – with dedicated bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens.
Design-led interiors – that are stylish and contemporary and not mass-produced.
All-inclusive rent – covering utilities, wi-fi, and extras like cleaning or concierge services.
Hotel-style amenities – such as gyms, swimming pools, lounges, rooftop terraces, co-working spaces, and even 24/7 concierge support.
Flexible lease terms – perfect for postgrads, visiting researchers, and those on shorter study programmes.
Prime locations – close to universities, public transport, restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment.
In contrast to PBSAs, which are often designed for the masses, private apartments offer a more personalised, independent and mature living experience – ideal for international students who want a comfortable home-away-from-home, or postgraduate students looking for a quieter, more refined atmosphere.
When the difference is just £50 a week, the choice is clear
Let’s break it down. If a PBSA option costs £600 per week – or even slightly less – you’re incredibly close to a premium tier of housing. Adding just £50–£200 per week could unlock a dramatically different living experience, and one that includes a better location, more privacy, and superior amenities.
At that price point, private apartments offer better value in every category: quality, service, convenience, and lifestyle.
What we offer
Our private student residences are designed specifically for students seeking a balance of comfort, security and independence. Here’s what sets us apart:
Fully furnished, design-led homes in top UK cities.
Flexible lease terms and easy move-in options.
All-inclusive pricing – with no surprise bills.
On-site teams and support to help you settle in.
Proximity to universities, train stations, grocery stores, and more.
But don’t just take our word for it – head to our Guest Reviews page or check out our Google reviews to hear directly from students who’ve chosen to stay with us, having considered options like PBSAs. From international students to postgrads, they’ve chosen our private apartments for their comfort, prime locations, and all-in living experience.
Want to explore your options further? Check out our blog post on the different types of student accommodation in the UK – from university-managed halls to PBSAs – and how they compare to private student living.
A little bit about us
If you’re considering spending £600 per week on student housing in the UK, don’t settle for less. With PBSAs rising in cost and demand, and private apartments offering superior value for just a little more, the smart move is to invest in a better experience.
After all, your university years are about more than just studying; they’re about creating memories, feeling at home, and living well.
Got a question or need a hand with your accommodation search? Get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
