Finding Your Perfect Home Away From Home

1. Exploring Your Student Accommodation Choices

Student housing in the UK offers a variety of options, each catering to different needs and preferences:

- University Halls of Residence: Ideal for first-year students, these facilities provide a structured, lively environment where you live among your peers. They’re a fantastic way to make friends and ease into university life.

- Private Halls of Residence: These are managed by external companies and are similar to university halls but often come with additional perks like high-speed Wi-Fi and private bathrooms, albeit at a higher price point.  

- Private Rentals and Flatshares: For those who prefer a more independent lifestyle, renting a private flat or sharing a house with other students can be the perfect choice. This option often helps to keep costs down and can be a way to develop deeper connections with fewer roommates. Rentaroof offers a variety of options including rooms, apartments, or entire houses for rent. Always ensure they are suitable for students or those looking to share accommodations.

2. Starting Your Search: Timing and Tactics

Begin your accommodation search as soon as you confirm your university placement. Key timelines include:

- University and Private Halls: Booking typically starts in spring for the upcoming academic year.

- Private Rentals: Start your hunt around May or June for leases beginning in August or September. In competitive cities, the earlier you start, the better. Rentaroof scans 3,500 websites and adds over 4,500+ new properties on a daily basis, saving you as much precious time as possible in your search for a new home. Our notification service automatically sends you all new matches within your search criteria, giving you that important edge over fellow property hunters.

3. Considering Location: More Than Just Geography

The location of your student accommodation affects many aspects of daily life including your commute to classes, social opportunities, and overall safety and wellbeing. Weigh factors like travel time to university, access to public transport, and local amenities.

4. Budgeting for Accommodation

Costs vary widely across the UK, with London and other major cities typically being more expensive. Be sure to account for all potential expenses in your budget, including utilities, internet, and transportation. This will help you gauge what you can comfortably afford without stretching your finances too thin.

5. Understanding Contractual Obligations

It’s vital to know what you are agreeing to in a housing contract. Key points to watch for include:

- Deposit Protection: Ensure your deposit will be returned fairly by confirming it's held in a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

- Guarantor Requirements: Most students need a UK-based guarantor to secure their lease. When securing student housing, one common requirement is the need for a guarantor. This guarantor, often a parent or close relative, agrees to cover the rent if the student is unable to pay. Typically, the guarantor must demonstrate a stable income and good credit history to be deemed reliable. These requirements ensure that landlords have financial security, particularly when renting to students who may have limited rental histories or incomes.

- Notice Periods: In student housing, the notice period refers to the amount of time tenants are required to give landlords before vacating the property. Typically, this period is stipulated in the rental agreement and often ranges from 30 to 60 days, depending on the terms of the lease. It's crucial for students to adhere to this notice period to avoid penalties or forfeiting their security deposit. Understanding and respecting the notice period helps maintain a good relationship with the landlord and ensures a smoother transition out of student accommodation.

6. Essential Questions During Property Viewings

Make the most of property viewings by asking detailed questions. Find out what’s included in the rent, rules about personalizing your space, the typical cost of utilities, security measures, and if there are dedicated parking spaces.

7. Where to Get Help

If you encounter issues, whether with a disagreeable landlord or a legal question, help is at hand. Start with your university’s accommodation office, and don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations like Citizens Advice or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for expert guidance.

Navigating student housing in the UK is an integral part of your university adventure. By planning ahead and using available resources, you can secure a wonderful home base for your studies and beyond, ensuring you can focus more on your academic and social life, safely and comfortably. At rentaroof, we're committed to making your search for ideal student accommodation as smooth as possible. Welcome to your new home away from home.