Accommodation
& Housing
Explore our guides, links, and support services to help you
find, rent, and settle into student accommodation with confidence.
➡️ Start With Your University
Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, home or international student, always begin your accommodation search through your university's official accommodation portal, they're best placed to match you with guaranteed accommodation, with options on and off campus to suit different budgets, and support on hand if anything goes wrong.
If you are choosing to live off campus, universities often advertise trusted housing options that meet recognised safety and quality standards. This makes them one of the safest places to start your search.
Your accommodation office can also advise you on popular student areas, average costs and recommended accommodation providers.
Universities can also help with:
• Accredited landlord lists
• Free legal advice clinics
• Emergency housing funds
• Hardship grants
Helpful Housing Resources
Resources to help students search for accommodation, stay informed, and access housing support when needed.
Student Accommodation Platforms
Know Your Rights
Emergency Support
Moving & Storage
Know your Rights & Stay Safe
From dodgy landlords to rental scams, knowing your rights is the vest protection you have.
These resources can help you to rent safely and confidently.
Your University's Student Union
Did you know your Student Union offers free housing advice? From understanding your tenancy contract to sorting out deposit disputes or landlord issues, they've got your back. It's completely free and confidential, so don't hesitate to reach out to your university's Student Union before signing anything or if things go wrong.
Emergency Support
If you're facing a housing emergency or at risk of homelessness, these services can help you find urgent support.
Moving & Storage
Find moving, van hire, and storage services for term-time moves, travelling home during holidays, storing belongings between accommodation, and international relocation.
Your Questions, Answered...
Here are some frequently asked questions answered...we advise you to do as much research as possible and always refer back to guidance from your university.
What are the different types of student accommodation?
There are several options to choose from depending on your budget, lifestyle and preferences:
University Halls of Residence - The most popular choice for first-year students, managed by your university. Bills are usually included and it's a great way to meet people.
Private Halls / Student Villages — Run by private companies, similar to university halls but often with more facilities. Can be pricier.
Private Rented Housing — Shared houses or flats rented from a private landlord. Popular with second and third-year students.
Studio Apartments — Self-contained and private, but usually the most expensive option.
Homestay / Lodging — Living as part of a host family. A great option for international students new to the UK.
Living at Home — Staying with family while studying is a practical and cost-effective choice, particularly if your university is nearby.
University Halls of Residence - The most popular choice for first-year students, managed by your university. Bills are usually included and it's a great way to meet people.
Private Halls / Student Villages — Run by private companies, similar to university halls but often with more facilities. Can be pricier.
Private Rented Housing — Shared houses or flats rented from a private landlord. Popular with second and third-year students.
Studio Apartments — Self-contained and private, but usually the most expensive option.
Homestay / Lodging — Living as part of a host family. A great option for international students new to the UK.
Living at Home — Staying with family while studying is a practical and cost-effective choice, particularly if your university is nearby.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you are unable to pay. Most private landlords will ask for a guarantor before signing a tenancy agreement, usually a parent or guardian who is a UK resident.
If you are an international student and don't have a UK-based guarantor, some landlords may ask for a larger deposit upfront, or you can use a guarantor service such as Housing Hand or Unipol.
If you are an international student and don't have a UK-based guarantor, some landlords may ask for a larger deposit upfront, or you can use a guarantor service such as Housing Hand or Unipol.
What should I check before sigining a tenancy agreement?
Before signing, make sure you check:
• The length of the tenancy and whether you can leave early
• What's included in the rent — bills, wifi, furniture etc.
• Deposit amount and which protection scheme it will be held in
• Repair responsibilities — what the landlord is obligated to fix
• House rules — pets, guests, smoking etc.
• Notice periods for both you and your landlord
Never feel pressured to sign straight away, take your time and read everything carefully. For further guidance you can request to speak to your university's Student Union housing adviser.
• What's included in the rent — bills, wifi, furniture etc.
• Deposit amount and which protection scheme it will be held in
• Repair responsibilities — what the landlord is obligated to fix
• House rules — pets, guests, smoking etc.
• Notice periods for both you and your landlord
Never feel pressured to sign straight away, take your time and read everything carefully. For further guidance you can request to speak to your university's Student Union housing adviser.
What should I do if I have problems with my accommodation or landlord?
If you're experiencing issues with your accommodation or landlord, here's what to do:
• Talk to your landlord first — raise the issue in writing (email is best so you have a record)
• Contact your university's Student Union — they offer free, confidential housing advice
• Seek independent advice — Shelter (shelter.org.uk) and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) can help with disputes, repairs and evictions
• Contact your local council — if your landlord is ignoring serious repair or safety issues, your local council can investigate
• Check your deposit is protected — if your landlord hasn't protected your deposit, you may be entitled to compensation
Always keep a written record of any issues and communications with your landlord, this will help if things escalate. Check out our 'Know Your Rights' section on our Accommodation page.
• Contact your university's Student Union — they offer free, confidential housing advice
• Seek independent advice — Shelter (shelter.org.uk) and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) can help with disputes, repairs and evictions
• Contact your local council — if your landlord is ignoring serious repair or safety issues, your local council can investigate
• Check your deposit is protected — if your landlord hasn't protected your deposit, you may be entitled to compensation
Always keep a written record of any issues and communications with your landlord, this will help if things escalate. Check out our 'Know Your Rights' section on our Accommodation page.