Finding Flatmates: Essential Platforms for African Students Studying in the UK

Vavita Marketing Team

• 3 min read

The UK hosts a growing community of African students. There are over 45,000 Nigerians studying in the UK alone, so you won’t be alone as an international student. Here is a guide offering practical tips on how to find flatmates and accommodation, with insights into costs in major cities, popular universities, and safe practices.

Understanding Accommodation Costs in Major UK Cities

Housing costs in the UK vary widely by city. Setting a realistic budget based on where you’ll study is important. For example, London has the highest rents – students often pay £700–£1,500 monthly rent, or far more if you want your own place in an upmarket neighbourhood​.

In contrast, cities like Manchester and Birmingham are more affordable, averaging £400–£900 per month​ for a student en-suite room. Other student hubs such as Glasgow and Leeds offer lower costs, around £350–£800 per month. Remember that these ranges depend on the type of housing (university hall, private flat, or shared house) and location within the city.

These cities also host popular universities known for their vibrant African student communities. The University of Birmingham and the University of Manchester attract many students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond. Coventry University and the University of Hertfordshire are other examples. The University of Hertfordshire enrolled over 3,000 Nigerian students in one recent year, the highest number among UK universities​. Choosing a city or university where many African students study can make finding community support and even potential flatmates from similar backgrounds easier, if that’s a consideration for you.

Essential Platforms to Find Flatmates and Accommodation

Fortunately, several platforms and resources can help you find housing or flatmates in the UK:

  • SpareRoom: This is the UK’s #1 flatshare website, with thousands of room listings in all major cities. You can filter by city (London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.), budget, and preferences. SpareRoom is great for finding a room in a shared flat or advertising to find flatmates for a new place.
  • UniHomes: A student accommodation platform that lists houses and flats across the UK – from large shared houses to cosy studios. A big perk is that their listings are all “bills included,” meaning the rent price covers utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.), simplifying budgeting.
  • Student.com: The world's leading marketplace for student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad​. It focuses on student residences and private halls. If you prefer a dormitory-style student apartment or can’t visit in person, Student.com lets you book accommodation online with features like virtual tours. They list options in over 400 cities (including all major UK university towns) and are popular among international students​.
  • Facebook Groups & Student Networks: Many universities and student unions host Facebook groups where students post about rooms available or look for flatmates. Groups like “International Students in UK – Housing” or country-specific communities (for example, a Nigerian or Kenyan students group for your university) can connect you with fellow African students. Often, the best tip is to look on Facebook – search your university’s name plus “accommodation” or “flatmates”.

Safety, Virtual Viewings, and Choosing Compatible Flatmates

Keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth experience:

  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use reputable websites or university-recommended landlords.
  • If you can’t attend in person, ask for a virtual viewing via Zoom or WhatsApp
  • Never send money for a place you haven’t at least seen virtually.
  • Meet and Screen Potential Flatmates. Discuss key points like study habits, cleanliness, cooking, smoking, and visitors to ensure your expectations align.

Managing Rent and Deposits Securely 

After finding the right accommodation and flatmates, the final step is handling your rent payments and deposits. Transferring money abroad can be challenging for African students – international bank transfers are expensive and slow, and exchanging currency can be a hassle. 

Using a service like Vavita means you don’t have to worry about whether your money will arrive on time and who might take a cut on the way. If you need to pay a housing deposit to secure a flat in London, you can pay directly in Naira or Cedi at a guaranteed rate - we’ll send the GBP to the accommodation provider quickly and securely and provide you with an official receipt.

Good luck with your search and your exciting journey ahead!