Cheapest cities for student renters revealed

Hull and Sunderland have emerged as the most affordable cities for student renters, with average monthly rents of £804, according to data from Rightmove.

This marks a steep contrast to the national average for advertised rents, which stands at £1,565 per month. In other words, renting in Hull or Sunderland is nearly 50% cheaper than the national average.

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Third place goes to Carlisle, where the average rent is slightly higher at £828 per month. Stoke-on-Trent (£894) and Doncaster (£923) complete the top five.

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As the academic year begins, many students across the UK are either preparing to start or return to university. With rents surging to record highs, affordability is becoming a key factor when deciding where to study.

Rents in eight of the 10 cheapest cities have increased by more than a third in the last five years, adding to the growing pressures students face in securing accommodation.

The average advertised rent for a two-bedroom flat in Britain stands at £1,612 per month, while the cost of a four-bedroom house is even higher, at £2,260.

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Outside of London, the most expensive cities for renters are led by St Albans, Hertfordshire, where the average monthly rent stands at £2,359. Following closely behind are Oxford (£2,093) and Brighton (£2,031). In the capital, the situation is even more extreme: rents have reached an all-time high of £2,712 per month, setting a new record for London’s private rental market.

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said that moving to a new city or leaving the family home for the first time is an exciting milestone for many students. However, finding the right rental property in the face of rising rents can be challenging and sometimes daunting.

"To make it easier, deciding on your budget range first can help you narrow the options," she advised. "If you’re finding it difficult to find a home that ticks all your boxes, consider which areas you’re willing to compromise on.

"For example, you could move to an area further from transport or outside a city centre to make your budget go further. Another option might be to share with friends and split the rent."

Babcock also suggested that local estate agents, who know the rental market in their area, can offer better advice and guidance. "Local estate agents will be in the best position to guide you on available places within your budget, that tick most of your boxes."

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