Best Student Accommodation in Luton, United Kingdom

University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire is Luton's principal higher education institution, with its main campus in the heart of the town centre. According to the QS Sustainability Ranking, the university ranks #1501+ worldwide.

The university has a vibrant student body of about 15,000 students, with international students making up around 32% of total enrolment. Renowned for its focus on graduate employability and practical training, Bedfordshire excels in key academic fields such as computer science, journalism, nursing, business management, and sport science. Its state-of-the-art facilities include a specialised STEM building, dedicated media studios, and healthcare simulation suites.

Barnfield College

Barnfield College operates as one of the major higher education and further education providers in Luton, working in partnership with UK higher education bodies to deliver foundation and undergraduate degree programmes.

Barnfield College provides further and higher education courses in Luton, including vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and higher-education programmes. The college also accepts international students. Its strongest academic and technical disciplines include enterprise and business, health and social care, creative arts, and engineering, benefiting from major recent capital investments in digital classrooms and trade workshops.

University of Hertfordshire

Located near Luton and serving many students residing in the region, the University of Hertfordshire offers a premier higher education option with direct transport connections. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Hertfordshire is ranked in the 851-900 band.

The University of Hertfordshire has nearly 34,000 students from more than 110 countries, including more than 10,000 international students. Hertfordshire is globally recognised for its industry-aligned degrees in aerospace engineering, computer science, law, and creative media, benefiting from strong partnerships with major national and international corporations.

Students heading to Luton can choose from a range of housing solutions, including shared flats, private en-suites, and modern student apartments in Luton. Student accommodation prices in Luton vary by room type and contract length. Prices range from around £100 per week for lower-cost shared accommodation to more than £200 per week for studios.

• Fitzroy Court
• SPI Castle Apartments
• 1-minute walk

Finding the right student accommodation in Luton requires weighing several essential factors before committing to a lease:

• Distance from University: Choose a location within walking distance of the University of Bedfordshire campus or near direct bus routes to save time and daily travel fees.
• Budget: Compare weekly rent carefully and set a realistic budget that balances housing costs with daily living needs.
• Transport: Ensure your property is situated near key transit links, such as Luton Railway Station or main Arriva bus lines, for easy commuting around town and to London.
• Bills Included: Look for properties that offer all-inclusive rental agreements covering electricity, water, gas, heating, and Wi-Fi to avoid unexpected monthly utility costs.
• Safety: Prioritise accommodations with secure entry systems, CCTV surveillance, on-site management teams, and well-lit surroundings.

Living expenses in Luton remain significantly lower than in neighbouring London, making it an attractive destination for cost-conscious scholars searching for affordable student accommodation in Luton. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Luton is approximately £810, excluding rent.

Student Accommodation

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Note: Prices are estimates based on Numbeo data and are subject to change over time.

Luton boasts a compact, efficient public transport system managed by regional operators like Arriva Bus and national rail networks. The town features excellent local bus routes, direct rail links, and specialised transit options connecting key university sites, commercial hubs, and nearby airports.

Metro / Light Rail

While Luton does not have a conventional underground metro, it operates the Luton DART automated light rail line. The DART connects Luton Airport Parkway station directly to London Luton Airport terminal in under four minutes. Standard single tickets cost £4.90, with discounts available for local residents and registered air travellers.

Bus

Local bus services in Luton are primarily operated by Arriva Bus, providing reliable connections across town and to surrounding university campuses. Single journeys average £2.00 to £3.00, while students can save up to 30% by purchasing an Arriva Student Pass, which offers unlimited weekly or termly travel across the region.

Trains

Luton features three main railway stations operated by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway, enabling travel to central London in under 30 minutes. Trains run frequently, making day trips and commutes seamless. Full-time students can purchase a 16-25 Railcard for £35 per year, which secures a 1/3 discount on all off-peak train fares across the UK.

Libraries

The Luton Central Library offers extensive quiet study zones, public computers, and research collections across multiple floors right in the town centre. Additionally, university students have access to the University of Bedfordshire Learning Hub.

Cafés

Students frequently gather at local independent spots like Kiki's Café or popular coffee houses in The Mall Luton for quick snacks, hot drinks, and casual group work.

Study Spaces

Luton Libraries provide quiet study spaces, while the University of Bedfordshire provides dedicated learning and study facilities for its students, and the campus learning hubs provide group collaboration rooms equipped with modern Wi-Fi.

Student Discounts

Some retailers at The Mall Luton offer student discounts through schemes such as UNiDAYS or Student Beans, but discounts and eligibility vary by retailer.

Parks

Wardown Park features scenic lake walks, historic gardens, and open green fields ideal for relaxing, jogging, or outdoor study sessions between lectures.

Events

The annual Luton Carnival, organised by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, is one of Europe's largest outdoor festivals, celebrating diverse cultures through music, art, and street performances.