Student Accommodation in Plymouth

Student Accommodation in Plymouth

Plymouth, also known as Britain’s Ocean City, is located nearly 36 miles southwest of Exeter, England. This city is sandwiched between the famous English Channel and Dartmoor National Park. Its largest institution, the University of Plymouth, is renowned for its marine and maritime programmes, given its rich naval history and deep maritime roots. According to HESA data, the city has a student population of 24,505 students, of which 2,390 are international, and 22,115 are domestic. These students usually choose between the most popular universities, such as the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, and Plymouth Marjon University. 

The city is one of the most affordable UK cities for students. As a major student hub, the primary challenge for students is finding the right student accommodation in Plymouth. The city is highly affordable, compact, and known for its stunning coastal views, which means the most popular accommodation near the university and city centre is often booked quickly. That's exactly why students are advised to secure their accommodation 3-4 months before the September intake to enjoy the best choice of rooms, prices, and locations. With UniAcco, students can compare verified properties, filter by room type and budget, and receive 24/7 support throughout the booking process. 

 

Plymouth in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Plymouth?

Students choose student accommodation in Plymouth because everything they need is close by. Most properties are within walking distance or a short bus ride of the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, and Plymouth Marjon University, making it easy to get to lectures, libraries, part-time jobs, and the city centre. According to UniAcco's 2025–26 booking data, the average weekly rent is £138, with options ranging from en-suite rooms and shared apartments to private studios. Most purpose-built student accommodation comes fully furnished with utility bills and high-speed Wi-Fi included, so students can budget without worrying about extra costs. Many buildings also offer study rooms, gyms, cinema and games rooms, bike storage, and social spaces where students can meet new people. Features such as secure key-fob entry, CCTV, on-site teams, and 24/7 maintenance support provide added peace of mind throughout the academic year. Based on UniAcco's research, below are some key insights to help students understand the student accommodation market in Plymouth.

 

UniAcco Insights

• Average weekly rent: £138 
• 69% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £124/week 
• 27% choose studios, averaging £178/week 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Plymouth

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Plymouth

Compared to big cities in the UK, Plymouth is affordable. Due to the city’s compact architecture, students also save a lot on travelling. Most of the properties are within walking distance of the university. Below are some of the most affordable student accommodation that will help students save extra, especially with their all-inclusive bills: 

1. Saltwater Place
2. St Thomas Court
3. Alexandra Works, Plymouth
4. Plymouth Cross House
5. iQ Astor House
6. Discovery Heights
7. Central Point
8. Beckley Point
9. Mary Parker House
10. Frobisher House

 

Best Student Housing in Plymouth

Choosing the right location in Plymouth isn’t just a matter of proximity to campus; it’s about finding a secure community and convenient access to everyday amenities. Here are 10 popular accommodations that Plymouth students return to year after year, and all are easily accessible and close to the university: 

1. The Old Dairy
2. The Reservoir -Plymouth
3. 1 Chedworth Street
4. Alexandra Works, Plymouth
5. Plymouth Cross House
6. iQ Astor House
7. Mary Parker House
8. Discovery Heights
9. Central Point
10. Beckley Point

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Plymouth

• Greenbank

Greenbank is one of the best choices for students who want to be close to the University of Plymouth without living in the busiest part of the city. The University campus is around a 12-minute walk away, and Drake Circus and the city centre are also within easy walking distance. The area has many student houses and purpose-built accommodation, including The Court House. Students choose Greenbank because it gives them quick access to lectures, shops and the city centre, but the streets around the university are generally quieter than the main nightlife areas. It is especially popular with students in their second and third years who move into shared houses. Current student discussions also regularly mention Greenbank as a good location because it is close to Mutley, North Hill and the city centre without being as noisy.

• Lipson

Lipson is a good option for students who want more space and a quieter place to live. It is around a 14-minute walk from the University of Plymouth, depending on where the property is located. The area has many traditional houses that are rented out to groups of students, so students can sometimes get larger rooms or more living space than they would in a city-centre studio. Lipson also has a more residential feel, with local shops, parks and everyday services nearby. Its location between the university and the eastern side of Plymouth makes it useful for students who want to explore more of the city without paying city-centre prices. It is also close to Freedom Fields Park and the Lipson Co-operative area, giving students green space and local shopping within a short distance.

• Mutley

Mutley is the area to choose for students who want student life right outside their door. The University of Plymouth is roughly a 12-minute walk away, and Mutley Plain has a large selection of takeaways, cafés, shops and pubs. The area is also home to several private student halls, including Alexandra Works and St Augustine's House. Much of the housing consists of converted Victorian and older terraced houses, with many properties rented to groups of students. This gives Mutley a strong student community and makes it popular with students moving into private housing after the first year. The main reason to choose Mutley is the location: students can walk to university, get to the city centre quickly and have plenty of places to eat and socialise nearby.

• City Centre

The City Centre is the easiest choice for students who want to live close to everything. The University of Plymouth's main campus is in Drake Circus, so many students can walk to lectures in just 7-minutes. Drake Circus, Plymouth Market, shops, cafés, restaurants, the railway station and The Barcode are all close by. The waterfront and Barbican are also within walking distance, giving students plenty to do outside university. There is a large selection of purpose-built student accommodation in this area, including Beckley Point, Central Point, Discovery Heights and several other halls. Rents can be higher than in areas such as Lipson because students are paying for a central location and newer purpose-built buildings. It is best suited to students who do not want to rely on buses and want shops, nightlife and university facilities close to home.

• St Jude's

St Jude's is a quieter residential area on the eastern side of the city centre. The University of Plymouth is around an 18-minute walk away, depending on the property. Students choose the area because it gives them access to the university and city centre without the busy feel of Mutley or the city centre itself. Freedom Fields Park is nearby, and Sutton Harbour and the Barbican can be reached on foot. St Jude's has a mix of students, families and long-term residents, so it feels more like a normal residential neighbourhood than a dedicated student area. Shared houses can also offer better value than purpose-built accommodation in the city centre, making it a good choice for students who want a quieter home and do not mind walking a little further to university. 

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Plymouth — Student Travel Guide

Plymouth offers an efficient transport system that is completely cost-effective. It has a bus network, rail network and even ferry rides. Students in Plymouth can avail of exclusive discounts on bus rides or apply for specialised council-funded travel. All your concerns about travel budget are addressed in the table below:

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Plymouth

• Culture & Outdoors

On the weekends, students can wander the cobbled streets of the Barbican, Plymouth's oldest quarter, or take in harbour views from Plymouth Hoe after those long lectures and assignment weeks are complete. Students can also visit the Royal William Yard, a beautifully restored former naval yard, which is a favourite for a scenic walk. 

• Student Nightlife

Students can enjoy nights at the student favourite pub Revolution, which is known for cheap drinks and student discount cards. The University of Plymouth's own students' Union bar also transforms into a club after dark, with weekly student-only nights like Boom! and Throwback keeping things affordable. 

• Food & Entertainment

Food lovers can spend their evenings at Bar Rakuda on the Barbican waterfront, known for homemade pizza, live acoustic sets and sunset views over the harbour. For something more filling, Barbican Pasta Bar has been serving comforting pasta dishes for over 30 years, and it's a local institution among students. To simply hang out with friends, students often cluster in restaurants like Nando's and Five Guys. 

• Libraries

The Charles Seale-Hayne Library at the University of Plymouth has spaces for quiet study and group work. Students can also use PCs and Macs. During term time, the library stays open until midnight. The Level 0 Learning Space is open 24/7, all year round, which is helpful during late-night study sessions. There is also a break room with a small kitchenette.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Plymouth

The best student accommodation in Plymouth comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Greenbank and Lipson are expected to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Plymouth with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 15 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.