The International Student Experience Report

A recent survey conducted by aparto shows that an impressive 86.6% of international students report a positive overall experience studying in the UK.

Choosing to migrate to the United Kingdom for university is a huge milestone; one that’s filled with excitement, opportunity, and, naturally, a few nerves too! For most international students, the experience delivers exactly what they hoped for: a great education, a new sense of independence, and a chance to meet people from all over the world. And with over 94% of students finding that their accommodation works for them, it’s no shock that most students settle into life with ease here.

At aparto, we believe a smooth start helps everything else fall into place faster. From quick, stress-free move-ins to friendly on-site teams, we make the transition easier. Our social spaces, study areas, and community events help international students feel at home from the moment they arrive, turning a good start into a great year ahead.

Whether you’re exploring the best student cities in the UK, wondering what to expect on arrival, or researching what to do before you arrive, aparto is designed to help you thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Cost Clarity with Bills Included

Let’s be honest… Money management is one of the biggest challenges of studying abroad. More than half of international students say they were surprised by day-to-day costs, and 59.9% cite the cost of living as the hardest part of adjusting to life in the UK.

Even so, nearly half (45.6%) still describe their accommodation as affordable, proof that clarity and value matter just as much as cost itself. That’s where bills-included living makes all the difference.

Why Bills-Included Matter

When your rent covers all your essentials, you can plan your budget with confidence from month one. At aparto, your rent includes:

• All utilities (water, electricity, heating)

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Access to communal and study spaces

• Regular events and wellbeing activities

• A range of amenities, including on-site gym facilities

No hidden extras. No unexpected spikes in bills during winter. Just predictable monthly payments that make budgeting simple, perfect if you’re living off family support (33.5%), part-time work (27.7%), or savings from home (25.2%).

Smart Money Habits for Students

Getting used to a new currency and lifestyle can take time, but small habits help you stay in control:

• Use a student budget planner to track essentials versus nice-to-haves

• Cook with friends; it’s cheaper (and can be more fun) than eating out

• Check student discounts before every purchase, whether it’s groceries or travel, it all adds up

• Consider part-time work to boost your income, just make sure your visa allows it

Living abroad is about finding balance, and predictable costs free you up to focus on what really matters: studying, socialising, and exploring your new city.

Community as a Shortcut to Belonging

Moving to a new country means meeting new people: something most international students are eager to do, but also find a bit daunting. Making friends at uni is one of the biggest early hurdles, however, it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of university life.

Nearly four in ten international students meet most of their friends in student accommodation, with slightly more (59.4%) meeting them in university classes. That means where you live has a huge influence on how connected you feel.

At aparto, community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s built into everything we do. From pizza nights and film screenings to volunteering projects and cultural events, every activity is designed to help residents connect naturally. You don’t have to go searching for friendships; they start right where you live.

Students also say that meeting people from different cultures (59.2%) is one of their favourite things about being here. Our residents come from dozens of countries, creating a truly global community where everyone’s welcome.

Quick Tips for Connecting Faster

• Attend at least one social event during your first week; it’ll break the ice instantly

• Join extra-curricular activities to meet like-minded people beyond your course

• Keep shared spaces tidy; it’s an easy way to build goodwill with flatmates

• Say yes to small invitations; a simple coffee can lead to lifelong friendships

Living with others teaches you more than just how to share a kitchen… It teaches you how to share experiences, traditions, and laughter.

Easing Homesickness with Community 

Even the most confident traveller misses home sometimes. Almost half of international students (46.3%) say they struggle with homesickness and missing family or friends when they first arrive.

Homesickness is normal, but it’s also something you can manage with the right support. That’s why aparto focuses on creating spaces that feel familiar yet exciting. From cultural celebration nights to international food socials, we help students reconnect with their roots while sharing them with others.

How to Feel More at Home

• Personalise your room by adding photos, posters, and scents that remind you of home

• Join events that celebrate your culture or explore others’ traditions too

• Stay connected by scheduling regular calls with family and friends.

• Explore British culture, including the local markets, sports, and museums

It’s okay to miss home. But remember, every new friendship and experience adds another layer to your story.

Confident City Living

The majority of international students describe the UK as a welcoming and safe place to live. In fact, 77.8% say they feel safe overall, and a little over half (53.9%) cite that travelling and exploring new places is one of the best parts of studying here.

That sense of freedom starts with knowing your accommodation is a secure base. At aparto, we make sure our buildings offer:

• Secure entry and 24/7 CCTV in communal areas

• On-site teams who know your name and are available 24/7

• Quick, visible maintenance responses

• Simple travel tips and city guides for your first few weeks

First-Week City Checklist

For the best kick-start, here’s a quick checklist of all the onboarding admin you’ll need to get stuck into in your first week as a student…

• Register with a GP (doctor)

• Open a UK bank account

• Buy a student travel card for cheaper public transport

• Find your nearest supermarket and pharmacy

• Save emergency contacts in your phone

We know some students find UK systems like healthcare and banking tricky to navigate at first, so our friendly staff are always on hand to help.

And when it comes to choosing the best room type for you, we’ve got options; everything from private studios to social shared flats,  all designed to make city living feel secure, connected, and convenient.

Study-Ready Spaces

Academic opportunity is one of the main reasons students come to the UK, with half of international students (50.4%) highlighting it as a top reason they enjoy living here. But success takes more than good lectures; it takes the right environment to study well. At aparto, our study areas are designed for focus and flexibility. Here, you’ll find:

• Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in every corner of the building

• Quiet zones for solo study sessions

• Bookable meeting rooms for group projects or presentations

• Chilled common areas for when you need a quick break

Your surroundings have a big impact on your motivation and results. Think of aparto as your productivity partner, a space that makes it easier to study smarter, not harder, meet deadlines, and boost your revision game when exam season rolls around.

Location that Reduces Friction

Where you live shapes how smoothly your day runs, with 61% of students admitting that city noise affects their mood. Long commutes and complicated travel routes can eat into your time and energy, too, which is why most aparto buildings are located right in the city centre and close to campus.

Being near shops, transport, and classes saves both money and stress. You can walk or cycle to lectures, grab groceries on the way home, and still have time to explore after.

It’s no wonder that over half of international students (53.9%) say exploring new places is one of their favourite parts of studying abroad. With city-centre locations, you can do that easily, whether you’re discovering hidden cafés or joining local events and day trips.

Living close to everything means you can focus on being present, not planning your next bus journey. It’s a simple choice that makes a big difference to your happiness as a student.

Advice from Current Students

No one understands the international student journey better than those who’ve lived it. Here’s what current students had to say:

1. Explore your options

“Don’t be afraid to look at accommodations not offered by the school,” advised one of our students. ‘The price and amenities may be better.” And often, they’re right! Exploring private student accommodation options like aparto can open up more space, facilities, and flexibility than traditional halls. With your rent covering all of this plus your bills, it often works out as the cheaper choice.

2. Book Early

Our next student suggests that you should “book university accommodation early because it is usually safe and convenient for newcomers.” Booking early helps secure your preferred room type and makes the move-in process smoother. It also gives you peace of mind before your visa and travel prep begin.

3. Prepare for New Experiences

“They should be prepared to experience something quite different from what they are used to,” explains another student, before stating you’re “going to love it here.” Every new culture brings challenges, but also endless rewards. From trying new foods to celebrating different holidays, the UK offers a vibrant, multicultural environment that shapes who you become. No

Practical Tips for When You Arrive

• Prioritise essentials to pack smartly

• Bring small comforts from home, like photos or favourite snacks

• Plan to decorate your room on a budget once you arrive

• Stay healthy and manage stress with balanced routines

With the right mindset, and a community that supports you, you’ll settle into student life faster than you think.

Rounding Up the International Student Experience

The international student experience in the UK is overwhelmingly positive, and it’s easy to see why. Great universities, rich culture, and the chance to meet people from all over the world make it an unforgettable chapter of your life.

Choosing the right accommodation helps make that experience even smoother. With aparto, you get more than just a room; you get a community, predictable costs, study-ready spaces, and support whenever you need it and wherever you need it! Whether you’re studying in sunny Spain or the incredible Italy, we’ve got accommodation waiting to welcome you. Check out our available rooms today and see exactly what’s included before you arrive.