Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation Near Oxford University (2025 Edition)
Did you know nearly 40% of international students overpay for their first accommodation?
Yeah, I didn’t either until I moved to Oxford and talked to people who were paying twice as much as I was, just to live a few blocks closer. Let’s be real getting accepted into Oxford is a huge deal. But then reality hits: now you’ve got to actually find somewhere to live.
Affordable student accommodation in Oxford sounds like wishful thinking, right? Between the glossy private studios and overpriced “student houses” with questionable plumbing, it’s hard to tell what’s safe, well-located, and still leaves you money to, you know, eat.
That’s why I put together this list of places that real students actually live close enough to uni, not crazy expensive, and (mostly) stress-free.
1. Cherwell House (Cowley Road)
- From £580/month
- Close to: Magdalen, St Hilda’s
- Shared and studio rooms
- Bills included
I had a classmate from Australia live here in first year. Super social vibe, decent-sized rooms, and Cowley Road is perfect for late-night food runs and quick access to lectures. Book early, though it fills fast.
2. Crescent Hall (Between Cowley and Headington)
- From £560/month
- Walking distance to city centre
- Ensuite rooms, shared kitchens
- All bills included (yes, even Wi-Fi)
This area is ideal if you want to be a bit further from the city centre chaos, but still close enough to cycle everywhere. Most people here walk to lectures within 20 minutes unless it’s pouring rain.
3. West Way Square (Botley)
- From £630/month (for a room in a shared apartment)
- Cycle to city centre in under 15 minutes
- Modern, quiet, community vibe
- Gym and supermarket nearby
This one feels more like a student hotel, but without the party vibe. It’s perfect if you’re a postgraduate or just like having modern kitchens and clean bathrooms.
4. Slade Park (Headington Area)
- From £525/month
- Ensuite rooms in shared flats
- Shuttle bus to central Oxford
- On-site laundry and study/lounge areas
Great for clinical med students or anyone studying around the John Radcliffe area. It’s not glamorous, but it works especially for students who want quiet, functional housing on a budget.
5. Cambridge Terrace (Jericho)
- From £620/month
- Studio and single rooms
- Right in Jericho 10 mins to central colleges
- Fully furnished and all bills included
Jericho is one of the most beloved student areas in Oxford. Cambridge Terrace might be right at the edge of "affordable," but proximity to Worcester, Balliol, and Somerville makes it worth putting on your list.
6. The Mews (Iffley Road)
- From £550/month
- Ensuite rooms, shared kitchens
- Calm and residential but incredibly accessible
- Great for students at Queen's, Magdalen, or St Catherine’s
A quieter spot with easy walking and cycling access to the city centre and riverside paths. My friend studied Law at Queen's and basically lived off Tesco meal deals from down the street here.
7. Crick Road (North Oxford)
- From £575/month for shared student houses
- Close to LMH, St Hugh’s, and Wolfson
- Tree-lined residential area
- Real house vibe, usually with a garden
If you like the idea of staying in a peaceful neighborhood with actual backyards and not hearing street noise every night, this one’s a winner. A lot of graduate students choose this area for the quiet and space.
8. Beauchamp Lane (Headington)
- From £500/month
- Shared student houses
- More spacious than inner-city flats
- Easy access to London Road buses to town
Slightly under-the-radar, this area offers great value if you're studying at Oxford Brookes or commuting into central Oxford. You’ll likely get a larger room and decent kitchen space, too.
9. Raglan House (Cowley/City Centre border)
- From £590/month
- Long leases with utilities included
- Short walk to St Hilda’s and the High Street
- Friendly landlord and small community feel
Less chaotic than the big student blocks but still central enough that you'll never need the bus. Another plus: it’s close to South Park for early morning runs or last-minute reading in the sun.
10. Student Castle Oxford (Osney Lane)
- From £725/month (for studios)
- All-inclusive rent
- High-speed internet, 24/7 security, private en-suite
- 10-minute walk to Said Business School and Oxford station
Okay yes it’s one of the more premium options. But if your budget allows and you’re after independence, privacy, and no flatmate drama, this could be worth the splurge. Especially for postgrads or final year students.
Why I Actually Trust Verified Listings Now (After Learning the Hard Way)
I almost learned this the hard way near the end of my first year, I had to find housing quickly and nearly sent a deposit to a random Facebook poster who “couldn’t do viewings but promised it was nice.”
Thank goodness I paused. That’s when I found Student Accommodation Guide, which let me:
- Compare over 25 trusted student-housing providers
- Filter by real student reviews and verified photos
- Check real costs upfront, with no shady “+ fees” surprises
- Save time and avoid sketchy back-and-forth emails
Using verified listings literally helped me avoid what would have been a nightmare living experience in second year.
What to Avoid When Booking Student Accommodation in Oxford
Let’s be honest finding accommodation abroad is stressful. You’re probably dealing with time zones, currency conversions, and the fear of accidentally signing a 12-month lease for what turns out to be a converted attic with a broken boiler.
Here’s what to watch out for:
Red flags to avoid:
- Listings with just one or two grainy photos
- Super low prices without any bills included
- Pushy agents rushing you to send money
- “Private landlord only takes bank transfer, no contract”
Things to ask before you sign:
- What's included in the rent?
- How many people live in the property?
- Who does the maintenance?
- Can I have a video call or tour before booking?
Here’s What Helped Me Find the Right Place
Here’s what worked for me and a few mates:
- Start early. I began looking in May for October, and it made all the difference
- Pick your dealbreakers. For me, it was a private room, walking distance to my college, and no more than £650/month
- Use verified sites. I relied on Student Accommodation Guide for accurate, pre-screened listings
- Be realistic but firm. You likely won't get a modern ensuite studio for under £500, but you can find a safe, pleasant room close to uni—in a place that doesn’t make you miserable
So, What’s the Move?
Will your student flat be perfect? Probably not. But with enough planning, you’ll avoid common mistakes and lock in something that supports your lifestyle, budget, and actual learning.
Finding student accommodation doesn’t have to feel like gambling. Start by writing down what really matters to you, compare verified listings using tools that save you time, and ask other students what worked for them.
You’ve got this.