Going to university guide University accommodation

Student-halls

In the first year, you're likely to have a choice between student halls of residence and private housing

Most universities help first-year students at least to find somewhere to live.

In your first year, you’re likely to have the choice between student halls of residence and renting in the private sector.

Universities with a large stock of halls of residence also offer spaces in halls to some non-first year students.

Some universities can also direct you towards a combination of both – guest house style halls of residence specifically for students but owned and run by a private landlord.

If you haven’t received information from your university’s housing office about finding somewhere to live, it’s worth getting in touch to get details of available spaces in hall, private landlords who rent to students and a list of student-friendly letting agencies.

University halls of residence

You’ll receive details about halls of residence from your university well before the start of the academic year, but it’s still worth moving quickly as spaces can go quickly in popular blocks.

There’s no doubt that moving into halls can put you right at the centre of student life. But it’s not for everyone – read on for the pros and cons of moving into university halls of residence.

Advantages of living in halls

  • often situated on campus, which is convenient and immerses you in student life
  • easy to get to know people - especially those on other courses
  • rent is often due at the start of each term, which coincides with student loan instalments
  • rent usually includes most utility bills and sometimes internet access too
  • many halls of residence have professional security features
  • you’ll only have to pay rent for the university year
  • avoids the likelihood of dealing with unscrupulous landlords

Disadvantages of living in halls

  • limited or no choice over who you live with
  • prices vary and not necessarily cheaper than renting privately
  • less choice over room style and furnishings
  • rooms are often small
  • facilities can be basic in older halls of residence
  • shared communal facilities with a large number of other students
  • there may be extra health and safety restrictions (such as prohibited cooking equipment or the lighting of candles)
  • there may be restrictions on having guests to stay

Questions to ask 

  • When is the deadline for applications?
  • Are the halls of residence on campus?
  • How long is the journey to university?
  • Are halls of residence accessible during Christmas and summer holidays?
  • When do I have to move in and out?
  • What happens if I leave my course?
  • What are the facilities for cooking and laundry?
  • Are the halls catered?
  • How much is the deposit and when should it be paid?
  • Are floors/dorms single sex or mixed?

Renting privately

If halls of residence are not for you, your next option is renting a property privately.

Not all landlords and letting agencies welcome students, so it’s a good idea to mention you’re studying when looking for a place.

You’ll come across many properties specifically targeted at students by landlords who can get good rents from young sharers even if the property is empty for part of the year.

It’s worth remembering that student properties are often cheap and cheerful, and are likely to have a high number of bedrooms to communal facilities ratio.

Advantages of renting privately

  • wide choice of properties, locations and facilities
  • more personal freedom than living in halls
  • can choose who you live with
  • more flexible tenancy length (you can stay over the summer or after your course finishes if you wish)
  • choice over room and furnishing styles.

Disadvantages of renting privately

  • more likely to be ripped off
  • many student properties are in a poor state of repair
  • you may have to pay extra rent to secure the property over the summer before and/or after the academic year
  • rent is usually payable monthly so you’ll need to budget
  • bedroom sizes are often unequal
  • bills may not be included in the rent
  • you’ll have to manage paying the bills and make sure everyone contributes their share.

How to find student rental properties

Your university is a good starting point when looking for rental properties. Ask if the university holds a list of vetted, tried and tested or student-friendly landlords and letting agencies.

University notice boards and websites are also an essential port of call, especially if you are looking to move on your own into an existing house-share.

Specialist student property websites such as Homes for students are a valuable tool, and provide useful details such rent-per-sharer and the number of small, medium and large bedrooms available in each property. Read the Which? guide to renting a home for house-hunting tips.

Telephone directories, general property/trading websites such as Gumtree and local newspapers are further house-hunting resources.

Tips for finding a student rental property

Start looking early. If you are a continuing student (rather than a first year) organise who you’re going to live with at the end of the previous term and start searching for next year’s accommodation. If you need to wait until the summer break, find out when your prospective roommates are available to view properties.

  • Work out with your roommates what property features are essential and which are desirable, and narrow down the location where you’d all like to live.
  • Speak to university advisors and/or older students to find out local conventions, such as whether you’ll be expected to pay rent over the summer period before you move in.
  • Write a list of important questions and take it with your for reference when viewing properties. These should include:
  • When is the property available from?
  • How long is the initial contract – will I have to sign up for a whole year?
  • Is rent payable between taking the property and moving in (over the summer for example)?
  • Is the tenancy shared or individual?
  • Are any bills included in the rent?
  • How much is the deposit?

What to do if things go wrong

  • You can get expert advice from independent sources such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter.
  • Government information site DirectGov also offers extensive advice dealing with renting problems.

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