University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Student Accommodation Guide 2026: Best Halls & Housing Options
Accommodation & Housing Guide
Looking for student accommodation at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA)? This 2026 guide covers the best halls of residence, private housing options, cheapest student rooms, and student-friendly areas near UCA campuses.
Updated 2 min read
🎓 Introduction
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist university with campuses in Farnham, Canterbury, Epsom, and Rochester, serving over 6,000 students. With its focus on arts, design, fashion, and media, UCA attracts a creative community from across the globe.
Finding suitable housing is an important part of student life, and since UCA has multiple campuses, accommodation options vary depending on location. This 2026 guide explores university halls, private rentals, costs, and the best areas for students at each campus.
🏠 UCA Halls of Residence
Each UCA campus offers university-managed halls or partnerships with local providers.
📍 Main University Residences
- UCA Farnham – Student Village – shared flats and en-suite rooms, 5 minutes from campus
- UCA Canterbury – Riverside Student Quarter – modern, en-suite, near city centre
- UCA Epsom – Ashley Road Halls – self-catered en-suite and standard rooms, close to campus
- UCA Rochester – Liberty Quays (Medway Partnership) – modern en-suite flats, easy transport links
💷 Costs (2026)
| Campus & Room Type | Weekly Rent (£) |
|---|---|
| Farnham (shared) | 135 – 155 |
| Farnham (en-suite) | 165 – 185 |
| Canterbury (en-suite) | 170 – 190 |
| Epsom (shared/en-suite) | 160 – 190 |
| Rochester (en-suite) | 165 – 185 |
🏡 Private Student Accommodation near UCA
Private student housing is widely available across all UCA locations, especially in Canterbury and Farnham.
Popular Providers
- Unite Students – options in Canterbury and Medway.
- iQ Student Accommodation – stylish PBSA in Canterbury and London suburbs.
- Fresh Student Living – modern en-suite flats.
- Amber Student – comparison platform for PBSA across all UCA campuses.
💷 Typical Rent
| Accommodation Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Halls | £160 – £220/week |
| Shared Houses | £400 – £600/month (+ bills) |
💷 Average Living Costs near UCA Campuses (2026)
| Expense | Farnham (£) | Canterbury (£) | Epsom (£) | Rochester (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared house) | 400–500 | 450–550 | 500–650 | 450–550 |
| Groceries | 110–140 | 120–150 | 120–160 | 110–140 |
| Transport (local bus/train) | 50–60 | 55–65 | 70–90 | 55–65 |
| Social life & entertainment | 90–120 | 100–140 | 120–160 | 90–130 |
📍 Best Student Areas
- Farnham – town centre houses, close to UCA Student Village.
- Canterbury – city centre and St Dunstan's (vibrant student areas).
- Epsom – town centre and Ewell, well-connected to London.
- Rochester/Medway – Liberty Quays and nearby housing, affordable and student-friendly.
✨ Tips for Finding Affordable Housing
- Apply early for UCA halls, as spaces are limited at smaller campuses.
- For the cheapest options, check shared houses in Farnham, Canterbury, or Medway.
- If based in Epsom, budget extra for transport and rent due to proximity to London.
- Use Amber Student to compare private halls across multiple cities.
📌 Useful Links
- UCA Accommodation
- Unite Students Canterbury & Medway
- iQ Student Accommodation
- Fresh Student Living
- Amber Student – UCA
- Save the Student – Rent Guide
✅ Final Thoughts
The University for the Creative Arts provides diverse accommodation options across its four campuses.
- Farnham and Canterbury are the most student-focused towns, with affordable halls and shared housing.
- Epsom offers quick access to London but higher rent.
- Rochester/Medway gives students budget-friendly options near Liberty Quays.