“Did You Know Nearly 40% of International Students Overpay for Their First Accommodation?”
Yeah, I didn’t either until I started digging into this when I was panicking about where to live in Oxford. You get that exciting offer letter from one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and then... reality smacks you in the face. Welcome to the ultimate challenge: finding affordable student accommodation in Oxford that’s not a two-hour commute in the rain.
Let’s be honest Oxford is beautiful, historic, and highly walkable. But it’s not super budget-friendly by default. I've seen students spend a fortune staying close to colleges like Balliol or Magdalen, not realizing there were cheaper, just-as-convenient alternatives a 10-minute bike ride away.
Whether you're an international student or just new to the city, I’ve pulled together a list of 10 student accommodations that offer solid value without sacrificing location or safety. And yes, I’m including the real stuff like rent, roommates, and whether the kitchen actually works. Let’s dive in.
1. Cherwell House (Cowley Road)
- From £580/month
- Close to: Magdalen College / St Hilda’s
- Studio or shared rooms
- Wifi included, laundry on-site
This one's popular among international and postgrad students. Cowley Road brings energy late-night food, diverse cultures, and a solid social scene. Just pack some earplugs because it can get loud on weekends.
2. West Way Square (Botley)
- From £630/month (shared apartments)
- Reach most colleges by bus or 15-minute cycle
- Studio flats, shared kitchens, ensuite rooms
- Modern, with gym and laundry facilities
A bit outside central Oxford, but honestly? The facilities are some of the best for this price. And there’s an actual Co-op and café steps away starving at 11 pm? Not here.
3. Slade Park (Headington)
- From £525/month
- Ideal for Brookes students or Oxford med students at JR Hospital
- Shared flats with ensuite
- Free shuttle to campus
Affordable and student-friendly. I stayed here during my clinical year and never missed a placement bus. Just get ready to survive on shared kitchen politics.
4. The Mews (Iffley Road)
- From £550/month (bills included)
- Best for St Catherine’s, Jesus, or Queen’s
- Ensuite rooms with shared kitchen
- Quiet location, UN-like mix of students
It's not as lively as Cowley, but so much better for studying in peace. One friend swore by it said it was the "only place in Oxford where the fridge didn’t smell like death."
5. Cambridge Terrace (Jericho)
- From £620/month
- Near Somerville and Worcester
- Single rooms and studios
- Jericho = café heaven + quick bike to the Rad Cam
The charm factor here is high. Jericho gives you that classy Oxford feeling without quite the city centre price tag. Bit pricier than Cowley, but great quality of life.
6. The Park (Headington)
- From £495/month!
- Ideal for Brookes but still bikeable to central Oxford
- Shared flat, ensuite room
- Onsite common room and study space
This one’s a hidden gem for students on a tight budget. If you’re okay being a little outside the centre, you’ll save a lot. Just budget 20 minutes biking to your class.
7. Crick Road Student Houses (North Oxford)
- From £575/month (rare find)
- Close to St Hugh’s, LMH, Kellogg
- Shared houses, large rooms
- Calm area with leafy streets and actual gardens
If you’re a postgrad or looking for that quiet study-life balance, North Oxford is peaceful and well-connected. These houses feel more "home" than “dorm.”
8. Crescent Hall (Cowley)
- From £560/month (all bills included)
- Close to St Hilda’s, Oriel, Magdalen
- Shared flat, ensuite
- Biker’s paradise 5 mins to most city centre colleges
This place is no-frills but solid value. I know someone who lived here all three years they kept extending their lease because they loved the vibe (and the free weekly cleaner).
9. Raglan House (Cowley-ish)
- From £590/month
- Walk to central colleges in under 15 minutes
- Small shared flat setup
- Near shops, friendly live-in landlord (seriously rare)
Students say the experience here feels familial (without the awkward parent-energy). Great for students who want affordability with some added comfort.
10. Student Castle Oxford (Osney Lane)
- From £725/month (studio)
- Walking distance to most departments
- Private studios with ensuite
- High-speed internet, modern kitchens, secure entry
This is the splurge, but if you can stretch the budget and want zero roommate stress, it’s worth considering. My friend moved here after two years in noisy flats and now says she wishes she did it sooner.
Why I Used Student Accommodation Guide (After Nearly Booking a Scam)
Real talk I almost lost £250 to a fake listing on Facebook Marketplace. I got so caught up in rent prices and nice photos that I didn’t realise it was a little too good to be true.
That’s when I found Student Accommodation Guide, and yeah it genuinely saved me.
Here’s what helped:
✅ Verified listings with real descriptions
✅ Transparent pricing no surprise “admin fees”
✅ Side-by-side comparisons of exactly what’s included
✅ Real student reviews not weirdly generic bots
If you’re sorting your accommodation from abroad (or just really overwhelmed), it’s one tool worth using early.
Look, I Won’t Sugarcoat It Finding Accommodation Abroad Is Stressful
Between juggling your visa, course registration, and figuring out what British people mean by “half-past,” it’s easy to leave housing till late. But please don't. The best, most affordable spots near Oxford get snapped up fast.
You'll hear stories about students cycling 45 minutes from random villages each morning. Or ones who paid way too much for a damp tiny room with zero heating because they “ran out of options” in August.
Don’t be that student.
Here’s What Worked For Me (And Probably Will For You Too)
Start early Ideally by May if you're arriving in Michaelmas
Know what’s non-negotiable Own bathroom? Quiet roommates? Under £600/month?
Ask for video tours (especially if you're not in the UK yet)
Read every contract Some landlords sneak in summer rent or strange conditions
Use services like Student Accommodation Guide to compare verified listings
So, To Wrap This Up…
Will your student housing be perfect? Probably not. But will it be yours, close to uni, and budget-friendly if you plan early? Totally.
Finding student accommodation in Oxford doesn’t have to feel like gambling. Start by narrowing your must-haves, compare listings through verified platforms, and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions (trust me, it’s better to be annoying than broke and cold in week two).
You’ve totally got this.