How to find student accommodation
Many first years will find themselves living in halls of residence, the classic uni experience – and each uni will let you know whether that’s guaranteed, or just an option. From the second year, you’ll probably have gathered a group of mates and found a house together. Sometimes this works the other way around, but what is always the case is that what you need is personal to you. You should take time to really understand what’s available, the pros and cons of each option and how that fits with how you live.
Accommodation options are listed on individual university and college websites, where you can browse the options and locations to find the right one for you. They can also advise on local lettings agencies or even internal university services to help you find private accommodation if that's your preference.
What are my student accommodation options?
Halls of residence
Normally situated on/near campus, they’re run by the uni and designed to be convenient and sociable. Generally, the rooms can be smaller but the kitchens are big, and bathrooms are often shared. There’ll be lots of you living together, mostly first years, so parties are going to break out pretty often.
Expect to make friends easily, but while you’re washing up your cereal bowl that somebody else has used. Again.
Halls of residence are popular. Check when registration opens and get your name down early. Your chosen uni will be on top of this – so you’ll be asked to provide your top three choices, and you’ll be able to choose between different halls based on location, price, facilities etc.
Private halls of residence
There are also plenty of halls which aren’t necessarily run by your uni, but are still designed exclusively for students and offer a lot of variety. There are some big players, but also regionally based companies too – it’s definitely worth checking them out. They’re often in town, as they can be open to students from any university – so it’s a great way to make even more friends. You’ll get all the services you’d expect with uni halls, plus potentially more – as well as a great location.
Most private accommodation includes all heating, WiFi, and electricity in the price of your rent – so you know exactly where you stand.
If you’re looking for central, convenient living with a diverse group of students, then private halls could be the way.
Shared house/flat
If the idea of sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers, or being woken up by that same dubstep track for the third night in a row isn’t your thing, then a house might be better.
You can rent by yourself, but most people find other students to share with. Your uni can often help with this, or there are plenty of websites to connect you to house or flat-shares.
Like private halls, you could find yourself living with students from other universities, or those in their second or third years. Most students move into houses with their mates after the first year anyway, so consider yourself a trendsetter if you follow this route.
Things to check when sorting out accommodation
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Do you need a guarantor?
If you don't have anyone you can ask, speak to student services to see if they can help. Some universities and colleges can act as guarantors, or help you bypass this requirement. -
Do you need a deposit?
If finding a lump sum to pay in advance proves difficult, speak to your university or college. Again, some can bypass this requirement, or they may be able to help you through their hardship funds or a bursary.
Your students' union can help
If you're feeling pressurised into taking expensive accommodation, seek advice from student support or the students’ union before making a decision you might regret. They can give advice, and provide a list of alternative accommodation that may be cheaper.
They can also help you look through accommodation contracts before you sign them. Once you’ve signed, you're legally responsible for the full tenancy under the terms agreed, so make sure it is the right option for you.
Care-experienced and estranged students
Many universities provide year-round accommodation for care-experienced students and students estranged from their parents. Some may even be able to bypass or adjust any deposit requirements, or act as a guarantor for private accommodation. Student services can offer more information about what's available at your university or college – it’s a good idea to contact them before you apply to find out more.
Bursaries and funding are often available from universities to help care-experienced and estranged students with their accommodation fees, such as the additional costs incurred during holiday periods, or for those taking work placements. There are also charitable organisations that can help, such as the Unite Foundation, which provides free accommodation and a scholarship fund for young people in difficult circumstances who wish to enter higher education.
If you are at risk of becoming homeless
If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, contact student services at your university or college immediately. They may be able to assist with emergency accommodation while you find a longer-term solution. Likewise, if you are finding it hard to meet your rental payments, the sooner you ask for help, the better.
Contact one of the following organisations for advice and information:
- Shelter, Shelter Cymru, Shelter Scotland, and Shelter NI is a housing and homelessness charity providing information and advice to those in need. For immediate help, call their freephone number 0808 800 4444 (08:00 – 20:00 weekdays, 08:00 – 17:00 weekends), which is available 365 days a year.
- Centrepoint is a charity providing support and assistance to young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless, or facing homelessness.
- Housing Executive is Northern Ireland’s housing authority, and is responsible for dealing with homelessness. They can provide guidance and assistance if you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.