Tips on Finding Student Accommodation!
Decide on your must-haves.
Before starting your accommodation search, it's important to decide what exactly you're looking for. If you're a first year student looking at halls of residence, you might decide you need an en-suite, or would prefer to live in a flat with fewer flatmates. If you're a second or third year student and planning to move into a student house with - for example - three friends, you'll likely need to have four or so bedrooms and collectively agree on the number of bathrooms you would ideally want to share (i.e one/two).
Consider price and location.
Setting a budget will help narrow down your accommodation search. Remember houses that are further away from your university may be cheaper in price; however, you’ll likely have to factor in transport costs to and from university at least a few times every week depending on your course schedule.
Check the tenancy period!
Lots of halls of residence will provide students with accommodation over the academic year rather than the calendar year - i.e. tenancies might start in mid-September and end mid to late June. This can be advantageous if you plan to head home over the summer, but if you need to stay at university for the full calendar year, make sure your lease is 51/52-weeks long.
Private Halls
Private halls of residence are halls that are typically operated by a third party not related to your university, but they can be a good option if the amenities in your university’s halls of residence don't suit you or your university's halls are already fully booked. Personally, I've found the best way to search for private halls is simply to search ‘private halls of residence near [insert] area’ on Google Maps; that way, you'll be able to see how close they are to campus. It's worthwhile to note, however, that they can sometimes be more expensive than university halls, and may have longer tenancy lengths.
Start searching!
If you're looking for university halls of residence, your university’s own accommodation page is probably the best place to start looking. Universities should have a guide for each different available hall and what they offer. On the other hand, if you're looking for student houses, websites such as Zoopla, SpareRoom, Rightmove and OnTheMarket can be helpful. Universities may also be able to help you find student housing if they have a dedicated accommodation service, so it's worth checking - they can sometimes provide a list of trusted local landlords, or suggest good commuting areas nearby.
Hope this was helpful, and if you have any questions or your own tips, feel free to leave them down below!
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Reply 1
I shared some of my experiences for you to help you okay.
I make the list for this kind of problem during my study periods.
1.
Start Early: Begin your search as soon as possible to get the best options.
2.
Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford, including rent, bills, and other expenses.
3.
Research Locations: Choose an area close to your university or with good transport links.
4.
Check Online Platforms: Use student accommodation websites, forums, or social media groups.
5.
Visit the Property: If possible, view the accommodation in person or request a virtual tour.
6.
Ask About Utilities: Confirm if the rent includes utilities like water, electricity, and internet.
7.
Read Reviews: Look for feedback from other students about the property or landlord.
8.
Understand the Lease: Carefully read the contract before signing to avoid surprises.
9.
Consider Roommates: Decide if you’re comfortable sharing or prefer a private space.
10.
Seek University Help: Many universities have housing offices or partnerships with accommodation providers.
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