University accommodation for your students

Universities have a range of accommodation options for your students to suit a variety of budgets and requirements. It is important for your students to spend time researching their options online. They should also visit the accommodation in person if they attend a university open day, applicant day, or offer-holder day to help them select the most suitable option.

Accommodation applications vary between universities and may have different deadlines. Students are typically able to apply for their accommodation after they’ve made their firm and insurance choices with UCAS. This article describes the three types of university accommodation, and offers top tips for your students when deciding where to live.

Most universities have their own accommodation (halls of residence) where many first year students live. This could include en-suite or shared bathroom facilities, or self-catered or catered options. The cost will vary depending on what they choose. They usually charge a weekly rent, but your students will pay it termly in line with receiving their student loan payments.

Students usually stay in halls from September to June, sometimes with the option to extend their contract to 52 weeks. This is a valuable option for international students, health and medicine students, and care-leaver students.

If a student has additional requirements, it is important they research how the university can support their needs. For instance, they might require an accessible room, and should contact the university directly to discuss their needs.

Some universities partner with local, privately-owned accommodation providers to increase their accommodation offering. Universities work with private providers in various ways. The student contract could be with the university or the private provider. It is always best for your students to check.

Many cities have privately-owned halls of residence that are not associated with the university. These typically offer self-catered, en-suite rooms with shared kitchen facilities. Some offer studio apartments. Students apply to the provider directly. They’re often housed with a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate students from different universities. After the first year, students may move into these privately-owned halls.

However, more often than not, students move into private rented houses in the local area with friends they’ve made in their first year. Many universities help students to find this accommodation and will also help them to check contracts with private landlords.

1. Students shouldn’t rule out shared bathroom facilities. After all, they’re a great way to save money. They might only share with one or two other people rather than the twenty they might be imagining. It is more like sharing with other family members at home!

2. Students should use the Student Finance Calculator to get an estimate of their student loan. This will help them understand which accommodation is within their budget.

3. Students should check if the university has a guarantee scheme for securing a place in their accommodation. They should also check if there are any conditions linked to the guarantee, such as making the university their firm choice or applying by a certain deadline.

4. Students are usually required to pay a deposit or advanced rent payment. It’s worth mentioning this to parents because it’s usually due around exam results day in August, which is before students will receive their student loan payment. Advanced rent payments are deducted from the total accommodation fee. Deposits are returned provided the contract isn’t breached.

5. Students should check what’s included in their accommodation, such as microwaves, toasters, Wi-Fi, and bedding. Thankfully, most universities have a platform where students can speak to their flatmates before moving-in day. This saves everyone turning up with five pots and pans!