Finding accommodation...

Homepage » For Students » Finding accommodation

Most students spend their first year in university halls before moving out into University flats or privately rented accommodation. The process of finding second year accommodation starts early.  Exactly when, depends on your location as the availability of student accommodation varies from place to place. Even where accommodation is plentiful, however, it’s still a good idea to start planning well in advance. 

An early start will give you the pick of the properties available and will also provide a useful insight into what you can expect for your money in the local area. Prices may vary considerably so do your homework if you don’t want to pay over the odds.

First thing is to get together with your mates and decide who shares with whom. Once that’s sorted the search for accommodation can begin. Most student houses have between three and six bedrooms, so best keep numbers at six or below.

Finding Student Accommodation

We recommend that you start your search by a visit to the University accommodation office where you will receive plenty of good advice and probably a list of University ‘approved’ agents and landlords. You may even find that there are a limited number of rooms (in halls or self-catering flats), which are made available for second or third years. Be aware though, that a University will generally only be able to place a small proportion or second and third years, so most of you will need to make your own arrangements.

Next on the priority list is to find students in their final year who will be moving out at the end of term. They can give you the low down on all aspects of the property. How responsive is the landlord? How helpful is the letting agency? How long does it take to walk to Campus? What are the bus routes like? What are the neighbours like? How safe is the area? Answers to these questions, and others will help you make a decision you won’t later regret.

If this avenue leads to a dead-end, keep an eye on notice boards around the University and also in the window of the local newsagent. You may be lucky and come across a good bargain but beware of the dodgy dealer! A reputable letting agency will know the law relating to rental properties which should serve to protect your interests. If you decide to go through an independent landlord you need to be doubly sure that they are legitimate and that the property complies with applicable tenancy legislation. For more info click here. 

Letting Agencies

There will be a number of letting agents, which specialise in student accommodation in your local area. Registration is free and there is a great temptation to register and then just sit back and wait for them to call you. However, this is not a particularly good approach! Remember you are in competition with thousands of other students all looking for the best property, at the cheapest price. Our advice is that you should give the agents a hard time! Get on the phone to them every couple of days and make a real nuisance of yourself.

If you decide to register with an independant letting agent, make sure they are accredited with the National Approved Letting Scheme or that they belong to a trade association such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Association of Retail Letting Agents.

A letting agent may charge you a fee if they find you a property so check out their terms in advance.

You will also find accommodation exchange websites which match people looking for rooms or flats with people who have rooms available to let.  Many of these organisations are now major players in the market and they are growing fast. Click here for accommodation exchange links.

Know your Rights

The law relating to the rental market is complex and legal wrangles are best avoided if at all possible! In most cases a common sense approach will resolve any potential dispute. If, however, a dispute cannot be resolved you should take advice. In the first instance, from the University or form Citizens Advice Bureau.

In very general terms, your landlord will normally be responsible for anything that requires repair, such as the structure of the property, its heating, hot water and sanitary installations. Most student letts will be fully or partially furnished and include washing machines, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances. On the proviso that you, the tenant, treat the property and fittings properly. Repair and maintenance of these will also be the responsibility of the landlord.

It is important to report any defects or damage to your landlord (normally through your letting agent) as soon as possible. Keep a log of all correspondence (whether written, email or phone) so if a dispute does arise you have a record of events. Upon arrival at your accommodation, it is useful to always photograph the rooms, especially any discretions regarding its state. If the photographs have dates on them, then these can be used in disputes concerning the return of deposits at the end of your stay.

If you have any interesting stories or pictures we’d love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch