Worried about housing in second and third year

Hey there!
I’m a current student at the University of Bath, in my final year studying Psychology.
I understand your worries, I come from a low-income background too, and was also on max SFE loan throughout my whole time at Bath.
Bath is an expensive city, and rent is definitely something to factor in. I currently pay around £730 a month sharing a house with 4 friends, living in Oldfield Park and commuting to campus (about 20 mins by bus). On top of that, I probably spend roughly £200–£250 a month on food, transport, and socials, but that can vary a lot depending on your lifestyle. The good thing is most students live in the same areas, so socials are often nearby. There are also cheaper supermarkets like Lidl nearby.
With housing, it’s honestly not as scary as it’s made out to be. For second year, yes, people start looking around November/December, but that doesn’t mean you’re suddenly left with nothing if you don’t. I know plenty of people who waited until spring and even summer to find accommodation because they weren't sure of their next steps after graduating.
There are waves of houses coming onto the market, and this starts in November, but keeps going until August. In a way, there is simply less choice about your ideal accommodation, as those will likely be snapped up earlier.
While it can feel intense because some groups rush into it early, you really don’t need to panic sign something straight away. Take your time to find the right people to live with.
In terms of affordability, it’s definitely manageable even on max student finance, especially if you’re a bit mindful. A lot of students work part-time alongside uni. I personally manage a few ambassador jobs and earn a good few hundred every month to add to my costs. Campus jobs are really popular because they’re flexible and easy to fit around your timetable, and there are also loads of options in the city centre.
Bath also has quite a few scholarships and bursaries. I am on one of the scholarships here due to personal circumstances, including being from a low-income background. The funding from Bath made my life here so much easier, and I'm incredibly grateful for it. It is always worth checking if you are eligible, and even if you are not sure - apply! The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get the funding. https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/undergraduate-scholarships-bursaries-and-other-funding/
I’d say don’t let the housing side put you off completely. It’s something to be aware of, but not something that ends up being a disaster for most people. Once you’re here, you'll get into the flow of budgeting, and realise a lot of people are in a similar situation to you!
University of Bath