International Student Housing Survey 2023 – Key Findings

Overview

The International Student Housing Survey conducted by M·E·L Research Ltd on behalf of Unipol in 2023, involving 3,698 international students and 30 UK universities, explored the significant challenges faced by these students in securing and living in accommodation. The study focused on undergraduates, postgraduates without dependents, and postgraduate research students (PGRs) with families. The results were analysed in detail in November 2023. However, following changes to postgraduate taught visa regulations for students with dependents in January 2024, the dataset was reinvestigated to consider implications for students not affected by the new rules.

Context

The results are set against a backdrop of declining international student numbers, financial uncertainties for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and recent visa regulation changes. Offers for postgraduate (PG) study fell by 18% year-on-year, with notable declines in offers accepted from Indian and Nigerian students.

Key Findings for International Students Without Dependents (2,964 students)

1. Difficulty in Finding Accommodation: 42% found it harder than expected, with PGR students particularly affected (57%).
2. Affordability Issues: 31% reported affordability as their biggest problem.
3. Negative Overall Experience: Net Promoter Score (NPS) for accommodation was -25, indicating significant dissatisfaction.
4. Information Accuracy: 73% received accurate pre-arrival information, but 17% found the information inaccurate, and 9% received no information.
5. Financial Concerns: 27% were worried about financial security, with students from India particularly affected (39%).

Key Findings for PGR Students with Families (588 students)

1. Greater Difficulty in Finding Accommodation: 79% found it more difficult to secure housing compared to 57% of PGRs without families.
2. Information Discrepancies: Only 49% received accurate pre-arrival information, compared to 74% of students without dependents.
3. Slightly Better Housing Satisfaction: However, NPS for PGR students with families was -19, better than the -30 for those without dependents.

Accommodation Types and Experiences

1. Housing Preferences by Cohort: First-year undergraduates mostly live in university accommodation, while returning undergraduates and PGT students prefer shared rented housing. PGR students are also predominantly in shared housing.
2. Commuting: Majority (70%) live close to their universities. Students living more than 30 minutes away often chose cheaper rents or faced availability issues.
3. Overcrowding: 23% reported overcrowding, with similar rates across different housing types.

Financial Security and Value for Money

1. General Financial Worries: The respondents were split equally between feeling secure, getting by, and feeling worried about their finances.
2. Accommodation Value: 63% found their accommodation to be value for money. University accommodation was rated slightly lower (61%) than private PBSA (65%).

Policy Implications and Recommendations

1. Improved Information Provision: Universities need to provide accurate, comprehensible information tailored to different student cohorts.
2. Support for Different Housing Needs: Dedicated support for January intake students, postgraduate students, and those with families.
3. Enhanced Collaboration: A coordinated approach involving universities, accommodation providers, and student organisations is essential to address housing challenges and improve the overall student experience.

Conclusion

This research underscores the critical need for comprehensive support and accurate information for international students navigating the UK housing market. Addressing these issues is vital for universities aiming to attract and retain international students amidst a competitive global education market.

You can read the full report here, or visit our education or housing pages to learn more about the work we do.

Get in touch

Your name

Company

Your Email

Contact Number

Your Enquiry

Where did you hear about us?
Please select…Search EngineSocial MediaBlog or PublicationWord of MouthEvent or ConferenceEmailOther

Latest News

M·E·L News

M·E·L Research recognised for outstanding contribution to social value and ethical research

August 2026

M·E·L Research has been named the winner of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Value & Ethical Research 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards. The award recognises the values that shape both the work we choose to undertake and the way we deliver it. From building trauma-informed practices into our research to improving inclusion and reinvesting in the communities around us, social responsibility is part of how we operate every day.

Read the full post

Industry Insights

Progress, persistence and the gaps in suicide prevention knowledge 

August 2026

New UK-wide research from M·E·L Research’s SPARK report shows improving mental health indicators alongside continuing exposure to suicide, widespread lifetime suicidal thoughts and significant gaps in practical knowledge. Suicide prevention depends on understanding not only how many people are affected, but also how confident the public feel about recognising risk, starting difficult conversations and finding appropriate support. The Spring 2026 SPARK report from M·E·L Research brings these issues together, providing a detailed picture of attitudes…

Read the full post

M·E·L News

M·E·L Research to support Diocese of Manchester consultation to inform priorities for next Bishop of Manchester 

August 2026

M·E·L Research is pleased to be supporting the Diocese of Manchester with an independent consultation to help inform its future leadership. The research will provide opportunities for people connected with diocesan life, as well as members of the wider community, to share their perspectives on the local context, priorities for the years ahead and the qualities that will be important in future leadership.

Read the full post

Industry Insights

Building a robust evidence base to support the growth of women’s sport

August 2026

Women’s sport is entering an important new phase, and we have been privileged to work with clients such as Kick It Out, WSL Football, Sport Wales and the Commonwealth Games, and witness and the experiences, impacts and drivers of this growth. Audiences are growing, competitions are evolving and sports organisations are exploring new ways to improve the matchday experience, deepen fan relationships and develop more sustainable commercial models. With that momentum comes significant opportunity, but it also raises important questions. As…

Read the full post

Industry Insights

Data quality in social research is built, not checked

August 2026

Fraud. AI-generated responses. Professional survey respondents. In recent years, these have become some of the most widely discussed topics within the research industry. As digital methodologies have evolved, so too have the challenges associated with maintaining confidence in the data we collect.  While our approach to managing data quality in social research must continue to evolve, confidence in research still depends on the same foundations: clear objectives, robust methodology, appropriate quality assurance, professional judgement and ultimately, impact.

Read the full post

M·E·L News

New Project Annoucement: Exploring New Moral Issues with Theos 

August 2026

We are delighted to be working with Theos, the religion and society think tank, on an important new research project examining how people in Britain understand and navigate today’s emerging moral issues. Madeleine Pennington, Head of Research at Theos, commented: “We are pleased to be partnering with M·E·L Research on this timely and ambitious study. We are excited to generate new evidence about how people across Britain think about…

Read the full post

M·E·L News

We’ve Partnered with Enna Global to Strengthen Our Neuroinclusive Social Research Practices

July 2026

At M·E·L Research, we believe the strongest neuroinclusive social research is accessible by design. As part of this commitment, every member of our team recently completed specialist neurodiversity training with Enna Global, a leading neurodiversity and neuroinclusion consultancy. The training marked the beginning of a wider collaboration. We’re delighted to be partnering with Enna Global to further…

Read the full post

M·E·L News

Continuing to Grow our Delivery Team with Four New Appointments

July 2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Senior Evaluation Lead Liz Murphy, alongside two new Insights Executives, Jamie Bains and Olivia Smith. These appointments reflect our continued growth and investment in exceptional talent across our research delivery team. Together, Liz, Jamie and Olivia bring expertise spanning public policy, evaluation, social research, consumer insight, and culture and heritage, further strengthening our ability…

Read the full post