How to get a flat in second year?

Hello! I'm going to be in my first year but I'm paranoid as to how I would get a flat in my second year. Feel free to ask me any question that will help any advise ><

I'm also more concerned about contracts and what I need to look out for when looking for a good flat.

Thank you so much for your time!

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there!

Firstly, please don't worry! There are plenty of ways to get accommodation for second year :smile:

A popular choice is to stay in University halls - if this is the case, you can book your flat for second year through the accommodation company's website. You can request to stay with certain people or be put with completely new people.

Another popular choice is to go private and rent a house, these are normally a bit further out of the city/town where the Uni is but they are normally cheaper than halls due to shared bathrooms and distance etc. For this, there are many website that offer student accommodation, like UniAcco, Rightmove, UniHomes, Homes for Students, Student Cribs (and there will be many more local companies too, for example we have Liverpool Student Homes). I personally would make sure to look for houses with all bills included, and also check out the tenancy lengths as some will rent from September onwards and some will rent from July/August.

Hope this helps!

Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by swdm_360

Hello! I'm going to be in my first year but I'm paranoid as to how I would get a flat in my second year. Feel free to ask me any question that will help any advise ><
I'm also more concerned about contracts and what I need to look out for when looking for a good flat.
Thank you so much for your time!

Hi there,

Try not to worry about this too much as there will be lots of time when you get into your first year to sort out a house/accommodation for your second year. Lots of people get stressed about booking somewhere and end up rushing into something just because they think they have to, so my main piece of advice would be to try not to worry and don't rush into anything that you aren't sure about because there will be plenty of time to sort it out.

Lots of people end up getting houses with their first year flatmates, or people that they have met through their course. Just see what happens and don't worry if you have not met people straight away that you would like to live with as there will be plenty of opportunities and it will work out for the best and you will find somewhere!

If you want to get a student house, websites like UniHomes are good places to find them. Or, have a look at all of the student estate agents in the area and see what houses they are advertising. Or, your uni might have a list of approved landlords/companies for students to use which is always good to use.

Sometimes universities put on house fairs at uni so this would also be a good thing to go to as you might find some good, trusted landlords here!

Or, some students choose to go into student accommodation again as this can be easier and you know that you will have bills included/a reception etc. It's up to you but lots of people do this so it could always be an option for you to do!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

swdm_360

Thank you so much!!! I'll keep that in mind!

Reply 4

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by swdm_360

Hello! I'm going to be in my first year but I'm paranoid as to how I would get a flat in my second year. Feel free to ask me any question that will help any advise ><
I'm also more concerned about contracts and what I need to look out for when looking for a good flat.
Thank you so much for your time!

Hi there,

Finding accommodation for second year can be daunting, but don't worry!

Staying in student accommodation is a popular choice. Whether this is on or off-campus, I'm sure there are many options for you. For example, I stayed on-campus for my first year, went into a shared house in my second, and back to off-campus partnership accommodation in my final year.

Your university website may be a good place to look for university-owned and partnership accommodation, so do take a look there.

As it has been said, for housing there are likely a range of companies that have options for you. We have loads in Chester, including Chester Student Lets and Bed Student Rentals. A quick search can show you what is in your area.

When I was searching for housing, I made sure to look out for all bills included and the length of the tenancy. Don't be afraid to ask landlords if their tenancy can start later if it doesn't work for you - I did this, and it is always worth to ask. Getting a viewing is also essential, as you can get a feel for the place and look for any damages/bad conditions, and to make sure it will be right for you.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

Reply 5

TCUoS

Official Rep

Hi!
For private rented accommodation, which is what many students opt for, you will want to start looking quite early on, once you have decided who you'd like to live with and how many people. You can book viewings for houses you see on websites such as Rightmove or Unihomes, and an estate agent will meet you at the property to show you around and tell you more about the contract and terms, and how to apply/secure the property. Different companies have different policies, you may need to pay a holding deposit or fill out a form, so make sure to ask your estate agents lots of questions before making any decisions. I would also recommend getting a university advisor to look over your contract/tenancy agreement before you sign it! Most universities should have support staff or teams that can give you advice (for free) on any housing issues.

Applying to university-owned halls of residence usually happens later in the year compared to private flats, so if you do not manage to secure a rented flat, you can easily apply for university accommodation again!
Good Luck!

Lia | Student Ambassador

Reply 6

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post by swdm_360

Hello! I'm going to be in my first year but I'm paranoid as to how I would get a flat in my second year. Feel free to ask me any question that will help any advise ><
I'm also more concerned about contracts and what I need to look out for when looking for a good flat.
Thank you so much for your time!

Hi!

I was also very concerned about second year housing when I first started as I had no idea of the process or anyone to ask. However, everyone is in the same boat and looking for a similar thing so try not to worry.

In terms of things to look out for - make sure you check the length of the tenancy as some are year contracts and some are term time. Check what is included in the price (bills, wifi, etc.) and make sure to take pictures of any damage when you move in so that you get your deposit back after.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 7

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post by swdm_360

Hello! I'm going to be in my first year but I'm paranoid as to how I would get a flat in my second year. Feel free to ask me any question that will help any advise ><
I'm also more concerned about contracts and what I need to look out for when looking for a good flat.
Thank you so much for your time!

Hi @swdm_360

There has been some great advice already, but thought I would just share a link to a previous post I have done on this topic as it gives you some useful links
2nd and 3rd Year Accommodation at Kingston - The Student Room

I hope this helps :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 8

swdm_360

Original post by YSJstudents

Hi!
I was also very concerned about second year housing when I first started as I had no idea of the process or anyone to ask. However, everyone is in the same boat and looking for a similar thing so try not to worry.
In terms of things to look out for - make sure you check the length of the tenancy as some are year contracts and some are term time. Check what is included in the price (bills, wifi, etc.) and make sure to take pictures of any damage when you move in so that you get your deposit back after.
Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Thank you! I'll take note and put it on my google calendar so I see it next year ><