Student Accommodation in York

Student Accommodation in York

York is a historic city in North Yorkshire in northern England. The city is famous for its medieval walls, historic streets and centuries-old landmarks. It is also well connected by rail, with direct trains to London, Edinburgh, Leeds and Sheffield, which makes the city more desirable and practical for students. According to HESA 2024/25 data, York has 34,640 students, including 25,975 domestic and 8,665 international students. Student accommodation in York is popular because of its well-ranked universities such as the University of York and York St John University, rich history and excellent transport links. 

York has a highly competitive student accommodation market, with demand often exceeding the available supply of purpose-built student accommodation. The average student rent is around £231 per week. More than half of the city's students rely on private housing because PBSA availability is limited. Popular accommodation near the universities is usually booked well before the September intake, so students who book at least 3-4 months in advance have a better chance of finding accommodation within their budget and preferred location. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in York, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

York in 60 Seconds

 

Average rent is based on live UniAcco listings and may change by room type, availability, and intake season.

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in York?

Students choose accommodation in York for its convenient location, all-inclusive rent, modern amenities and student-friendly environment. Popular areas like Heslington, Hull Road and Lawrence Street offer easy access to the University of York and York St John University by bus, bicycle or on foot. Most purpose-built student accommodations include utility bills, high-speed WiFi and contents insurance in the rent, making it easier for students to manage their monthly budget. These properties also offer modern amenities such as study spaces, gyms, communal lounges, laundry facilities and secure entry systems. York's compact layout makes it easy to explore the city, while its cafés, parks, museums and riverside walks create a great student experience. 

 

UniAcco Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £231 
• 45% of students choose studios, averaging £240/week — the most popular option in the city
• 39% choose ensuite rooms, averaging £226/week
• 9% choose non-ensuite rooms, averaging £206/week 
• Another city where studios edge out ensuite as the top choice.

 

Accommodation Types Available in York

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in York

Finding affordable student accommodation in York can be difficult because the city has 34,640 students but limited PBSA supply. Its two universities, popular locations and good transport links keep demand high. With average student rent at around £231 per week, the properties below are among the more affordable options on UniAcco, and all-inclusive bills help students manage their overall living costs.

• Roomzzz York
• Frederick House
• The Boulevard
• Valerian
• Raffles Hall
• Fusion York
• Student Castle York
• Waterloo House
• The Coal Yard
• Vita Student Lawrence Street, York

 

Best Student Housing in York

The best student housing in York offers a good mix of location, room choices, amenities and value for money. With limited PBSA supply and high demand from students at the University of York and York St John University, popular properties can fill up quickly. The options below on UniAcco offer different room types, prices and all-inclusive bills to suit different needs and budgets.

• iQ The Brickworks
• Iconic - York City
• 104 Holgate Road
• Abode
• Foss Studios
• St Joseph’s

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in York

• Heslington

Heslington is located right next to the University of York campus, which makes it the first choice for York University students. The area has a village-like feel, with student-friendly pubs such as Charles XII and The Deramore Arms. It is also easy to cycle into York city centre. This is a good choice for students who want to live close to campus while still having local places to eat and socialise.

• Osbaldwick

Osbaldwick is known for its peaceful and residential atmosphere. It has good cycling and bus links to the university and city centre. The area is a good option for students who prefer a quieter place to study and live. Nightlife options are limited, but York's city centre is close, so students can go there.

• Fishergate

Students choose Fishergate for its mix of shops, cafés, restaurants and outdoor spaces. It is close to the River Foss and has nearby walking routes. The area also offers good access to both major universities, making it useful for students who want to stay close to campus and everyday amenities.

• Hull Road

Hull Road is famous among students because it is close to the University of York and has many student-friendly shops and food options. There is a Co-op, Makkah International Market, Domino's and several pubs, including The Black Bull and The Beeswing. It is one of York's busiest student areas, so it suits students who want a lively atmosphere.

• Lawrence Street

Lawrence Street is famous for its short commute and wide range of local amenities. Shops, restaurants and other everyday facilities are easy to reach on foot. It is one of York's popular areas for student housing and works well for students who want to stay close to campus without living right in the city centre.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around York — Student Travel Guide

York is a compact city, so students can easily walk or cycle around many parts of the city. Buses connect the University of York, York city centre and student areas, with U1 and U2 services running every 7-10 minutes. The campus also has free bus services, while trains are useful for longer trips to cities such as London and Edinburgh. 

Area	University of York	York St John University
Heslington	Walk – 1 min	Bus – 34 min
Osbaldwick	Bus — 15 min	Bus — 35 min
Fishergate	Walk — 21 min	Walk — 26 min
Hull Road	Walk — 11 min	Bus — 22 min
Lawrence	Walk — 13 min	Bus — 19 min

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in York

• Cafes and Study Spaces

York has plenty of places where students can get work done outside the classroom. Independent cafés like Brew & Brownie and Spring Espresso are popular for their relaxed atmosphere, while chains like Costa Coffee are easy to find across the city. During exam season, many students also spend time in the libraries at the University of York and York St John University. 

• Student Societies

Life in York is more than just attending lectures. The University of York has over 200 student societies spanning academics, hobbies, culture, and performance. Joining a society is one of the easiest ways for students to meet new people and become part of the university community. 

• Shopping

Whether it's everyday essentials or a weekend shopping trip, York has plenty of options. Students often visit Coppergate Shopping Centre, browse the independent shops in the city centre or head to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet for discounted brands. Aldi, Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury's are all within easy reach for weekly grocery shopping. 

• Sports and Fitness

Staying fit and active is easy in York. Both universities have modern gyms, fitness classes and sports clubs for students of all abilities. Away from campus, places like Rowntree Park and the riverside paths are popular for running, cycling or simply enjoying a walk after lectures. 

• Nightlife and Entertainment

York has a relaxed nightlife that suits different tastes. Students spend evenings at traditional pubs, live music venues and independent bars across the city centre. Throughout the year, York also hosts food festivals, Christmas markets, theatre shows and cultural events, giving students plenty to do outside university.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in York

The best student accommodation in York comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Heslington, Osbaldwick and Fishergate tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in York 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 16 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.