Accommodation, International Student(UEA)

Hi,

I'm an international graduate student coming to UEA this September and currently looking into accommodation options. My main challenge is that I can't physically verify any places since I won’t be in the UK until then.

I’ve shortlisted two options so far: Pablo Fanque House and Velocity Student. Based on Google Maps, Pablo Fanque is about 27 minutes away from campus by bus (1 hour walking), while Velocity Student is around 25 minutes by bus (27 minutes walking). I like to plan for worst-case scenarios, so Velocity Student seems more favorable in case buses aren’t running.

However, I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews about Velocity Student online. The property manager mentioned she recently took over and that they are actively working on improvements, but I’m still a bit concerned.

Does anyone have recent experience with Velocity Student? Would you recommend it, or suggest any other student accommodations, preferably even closer to campus?

I’ve also been searching on platforms like SpareRoom, OpenRent, Rightmove, and Zoopla. Unfortunately, most places that meet my requirements (an ensuite or studio with at least a double bed) are either aimed at working professionals or exceed my budget.

Would it be better to wait until I arrive in September and look for a place in person?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

UEA Rep Grace

Hi,

Congrats on your place at UEA! While I don't have any experience living in either of those places, I wondered if you'd checked out Benedict's Gate or had looked on Facebook for UEA-related groups. You could then ask for recommendations on there and often people will advertise rooms. In terms of Benedict's Gate, my friend lives there and enjoys it, and it is a 15 minute walk + 20 min bus commute to UEA.

I wouldn't wait until you arrive as you'll be busy with your studies and trying to find a place will be an added stressor!

Hope this helps,
UEA Rep Grace

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Thank you Grace, I will look into Benedict's Gate. Glad I asked before committing to those places.

Reply 3

Emma559

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi,
I'm an international graduate student coming to UEA this September and currently looking into accommodation options. My main challenge is that I can't physically verify any places since I won’t be in the UK until then.
I’ve shortlisted two options so far: Pablo Fanque House and Velocity Student. Based on Google Maps, Pablo Fanque is about 27 minutes away from campus by bus (1 hour walking), while Velocity Student is around 25 minutes by bus (27 minutes walking). I like to plan for worst-case scenarios, so Velocity Student seems more favorable in case buses aren’t running.
However, I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews about Velocity Student online. The property manager mentioned she recently took over and that they are actively working on improvements, but I’m still a bit concerned.
Does anyone have recent experience with Velocity Student? Would you recommend it, or suggest any other student accommodations, preferably even closer to campus?
I’ve also been searching on platforms like SpareRoom, OpenRent, Rightmove, and Zoopla. Unfortunately, most places that meet my requirements (an ensuite or studio with at least a double bed) are either aimed at working professionals or exceed my budget.
Would it be better to wait until I arrive in September and look for a place in person?
Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Don’t go to velocity student

Reply 4

Emma559

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi,
I'm an international graduate student coming to UEA this September and currently looking into accommodation options. My main challenge is that I can't physically verify any places since I won’t be in the UK until then.
I’ve shortlisted two options so far: Pablo Fanque House and Velocity Student. Based on Google Maps, Pablo Fanque is about 27 minutes away from campus by bus (1 hour walking), while Velocity Student is around 25 minutes by bus (27 minutes walking). I like to plan for worst-case scenarios, so Velocity Student seems more favorable in case buses aren’t running.
However, I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews about Velocity Student online. The property manager mentioned she recently took over and that they are actively working on improvements, but I’m still a bit concerned.
Does anyone have recent experience with Velocity Student? Would you recommend it, or suggest any other student accommodations, preferably even closer to campus?
I’ve also been searching on platforms like SpareRoom, OpenRent, Rightmove, and Zoopla. Unfortunately, most places that meet my requirements (an ensuite or studio with at least a double bed) are either aimed at working professionals or exceed my budget.
Would it be better to wait until I arrive in September and look for a place in person?
Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

What ik about velocity, won’t give you deposit back, don’t take issues seriously and will fine you for anything even if it was different people’ management and the team in charge are rude in general.