Accommodation installment due before loan comes in?

Unfortunately, I don't think using my overdraft/family's money is an option, money is v. tight at the minute and my overdraft is only £500 while my first installment is around the £1700 mark. I've just quickly tried ringing the number on the website for my accommodation, but the number isn't recognised! Doesn't sound promising...

That sounds really dodgy. Have you actually seen the property or has everything been arranged online? And £1700? That's an insane amount of money! You shouldn't be asked to pay any more than a deposit+1mth rent - is your rent really £850/month? May I ask which company this is?

In answer to your actual question, most students who have this difficulty turn to family or overdrafts. You could try asking your university but I don't think they can help until you're actually enrolled, which is just the same problem.

Ah. I looked at their site, it seems they ask for an entire term's rent upfront. That makes more sense. So you're £170/week? That's still very expensive - I'm going to be renting in London and I have no intention of paying that much. Be aware that they're a private company with branches all over the UK, not the personal accommodation offered by your university. And there's no excuse for that £200 'booking fee'!

But if you're keen on the 'halls experience' then by all means, go for it. The loan will probably take a few days to a week after the date given to actually come through - it's only released to you after the university confirms your attendance. Make sure Liberty Living are okay with this. Personally I think you'd save a fortune if you rented a room in a shared (student) house, but I understand that can be difficult if you live too far away from uni to visit and view places.

I know thats cheaper than many of UCL's single rooms in halls

Ah. I looked at their site, it seems they ask for an entire term's rent upfront. That makes more sense. So you're £170/week? That's still very expensive - I'm going to be renting in London and I have no intention of paying that much. Be aware that they're a private company with branches all over the UK, not the personal accommodation offered by your university. And there's no excuse for that £200 'booking fee'!

But if you're keen on the 'halls experience' then by all means, go for it. The loan will probably take a few days to a week after the date given to actually come through - it's only released to you after the university confirms your attendance. Make sure Liberty Living are okay with this. Personally I think you'd save a fortune if you rented a room in a shared (student) house, but I understand that can be difficult if you live too far away from uni to visit and view places.

That sounds really dodgy. Have you actually seen the property or has everything been arranged online? And £1700? That's an insane amount of money! You shouldn't be asked to pay any more than a deposit+1mth rent - is your rent really £850/month? May I ask which company this is?

In answer to your actual question, most students who have this difficulty turn to family or overdrafts. You could try asking your university but I don't think they can help until you're actually enrolled, which is just the same problem.