Bangkok offers some of the best-value student housing in the world. Modern condo studios with pools, gyms, and 24-hour security can be found for the price of a shared room in London. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway make commuting easy, and the food is legendary.
Chulalongkorn University (Siam area)
Siam Square & Sam Yan: The immediate area around Chula. Modern condo buildings mixed with older apartment blocks. Walking distance to campus. Condo studios ฿8,000–15,000/month (USD 230–430).
Phaya Thai & Ratchathewi: 1–3 BTS stops from Siam. More residential, excellent street food. ฿6,000–12,000/month.
Ari: 3 BTS stops north. Bangkok’s hip neighborhood — craft coffee, vintage shops, and Michelin-recommended street stalls. ฿7,000–14,000/month.
Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan — Riverside)
Banglamphu & Khao San Road area: The old city. Thammasat’s riverside campus is surrounded by temples and the backpacker zone. Older apartments with character. ฿5,000–10,000/month.
Rattanakosin & Phra Nakhon: Bangkok’s historic centre. Quieter than the tourist strips, short walk to campus. ฿5,000–9,000/month.
Mahidol University (Salaya — Nakhon Pathom)
Mahidol’s main campus is in Salaya, about 25 km west of central Bangkok. On-campus dorms from ฿3,500–7,000/month. Nearby apartments and condos in Salaya from ฿4,000–8,000/month. The new SRT Light Red Line connects Salaya to Bang Sue in 30 minutes.
Cost of Living
Monthly student budget in Bangkok:
| Item | Cost (THB) |
|---|---|
| Condo studio | 6,000–12,000 |
| Food (street + restaurants) | 5,000–8,000 |
| BTS/MRT transport | 1,000–2,000 |
| Phone + Internet | 500–1,000 |
| Total | 12,500–23,000 |
That’s USD 360–660/month — among the cheapest in the world for a capital city.
FAQ
Do condos require a long lease? Most require a 12-month lease, but 6-month and monthly options exist at a premium. International students often negotiate successfully. Can I manage without Thai language? In student areas near Chula/Thammasat, yes. English is widely spoken. Lease contracts will be in Thai — have a friend or agent translate. Is travel insurance needed? For student visa purposes, check with your university. For trips around Southeast Asia, SafetyWing provides affordable regional coverage.