Finding Accommodation Without a Group?

Hi, this year it's looking unlikely that I'll have a group to go with in accommodation next year, due to a lot of my close friends leaving for years in industry, abroad etc.

So, I was wondering, what have other people done in this situation? Do any halls allow you to go to them if you've never been in them before, and what are people's experiences of unite house? Are there any other avenues of opportunity not well publicised? Is it possible to go with friends into halls, unite etc? (I have one or two close friends here next year, but not really enough to find a flat somewhere probably)