Types of student accommodation in the UK
Private Student Halls
Built specifically for students which means you will only live with other students
Usually have on-site management
Usually offer a good range of accommodation options. You can either go for your private whilst sharing the flat or have an entire studio to yourself
Social opportunities both in terms of living with other students and your hall having its own social events
Your rent usually includes all the utility bills, which can be convenient
Average weekly rent can start from £125 outside London to over £300
Apartments, Flats and Houses (Shared or Private)
You normally rent them from a letting agent or landlord
May or may not share with other students as this depends on the type of flat that you rent
More independent style of living but you have to keep in check for bills and other potential costs
The average weekly rent is £70-£100 (and upwards) per week, in addition to utility bills. This is an estimation of the amount of rent if you share a house with other people
Types of student rooms
Student housing contract
Option 1: Long-term (+ 6 months):
Most student housing contracts in the UK are normally only available for longer periods of time (over 6 months).
Option 2: Short-term (Less than 6 months):
If you want to look for a house for a period for less than 6 months, get in touch with us
Bills in student housing
Private Student Halls
Bills are generally included in your rent when you live in a private student hall. This will be discussed when you sign your contract; we can advise you on this if you have any confusion or questions about the process.
Houses & Apartments
Some agents & landlords do offer a deal that your rent price includes your bills. However, some may not offer this option. If you want your bills to be included and want to live somewhere other than a private hall, click the “bills included” box on “Advanced Search Options” when looking for properties on StudyFlats.
Deposit
This is the heading
You normally have to pay a damage/security deposit before signing your contract, in order to book your student accommodation. The amount of deposits vary in different kinds of accommodation (see our guide on types of accommodation above) and normally starts from anywhere between £100-£1000.
Frequently asked questions
StudyFlats is a student housing marketplace and helps you see different types of properties around the UK.
We made StudyFlats with one thing in mind: guiding international students with finding the best housing abroad. This is particularly the case as there are student accommodation engines which only act as a “digital newspaper” rather than a service personally tailored to you and your needs.
This includes helping you throughout the whole process: from finding your next home, signing contracts and paying your deposit and rent.
Alternatively, if you instantly decide on a room then we will immediately arrange to book that property for you.
A guarantor is a third party, such as a parent or close relative, who agrees to pay your rent if you don’t pay it.
You will need a guarantor if you wish to pay your rent on for example a monthly basis or several instalments.
Most accommodation providers and landlords require the guarantor to be UK-based although this may vary from landlord to landlord.
If you do need a guarantor, let your booking consultant know and we can advice you on what to do.
It couldn’t be any simpler. Simply browse our website and once you’ve found the property that seems suitable, enquire through the form in the property description.
We will then assign you to a booking executive who will get in touch with you to discuss your preferences. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure that everything is taken care of before you move in.
Make sure you throughly understand the housing options and points outlined in this student housing guide.
You will normally need a few things before renting a property in the UK. The most important ones are usually:
Guarantor:
You will need this upon signing the contract. A Guarantor must normally be a uk-resident individual in full-time employment. If you don’t have a guarantor, let your booking executive know and they will do their best to help you. If you do not have a guarantor, you may be required to pay your entire rent in one or two instalments.
Deposit:
You normally have to pay a deposit, which will be returned to you upon the end of your tenancy, subject to no damages to the property.
If you book a private student hall through StudyFlats, your bills are likely to be included in your rent.
However, if you rent a house or apartment, it is a good idea to become familiar with Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Check out here to learn more.
No, our service and student housing guide is completely free for students.
International student accommodation guide
Generally, each student housing provider will have their own individual cancellation policy.
This will also depend on the reason for cancellation.
Many student accommodation providers accept reasons such as visa refusals as valid reasons for cancelling the contract without any costs.
Generally yes, of course you should take all measures to keep yourself safe at all times.
Equip yourself with as much information as possible.
Yes. We highly recommend to view the property (where possible). If you’re booking your student accommodation from abroad ask the student hall or landlord for a Skype/virtual viewing.
Useful sources
Citizens Advice is an independent body, providing people in the UK with confidential advice over issues such as legal enquiries, including enquiries over a student accommodation tenancy contract.
Check out their website HERE.
Shelter has a number of helpful resources & articles about your housing rights.
Visit HERE to find out more.
The UK Government’s website outlines good information about private / off-campus renting, which would include student accommodation.
For more info, check out their website HERE
