What you need to know before you start looking for somewhere to live
Types of accommodation
Q: What types of accommodation are available
and which would best suit me?
A: It’s fair to say that the types of accommodation
and their relative availability are generally similar across university
towns.
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Shared Houses/Flats or Tenement Flats
The overwhelming majority of students opt for this type of
accommodation.
The usual deal is that you rent a room in a house and share
the kitchen, lounge (if there is one), bathroom and toilet
with other students.
The amenities are shared between the occupants. Click
here for details of the form of contract you’d probably
sign for this type of accommodation.
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Rent a room in a house |
Share a bathroom and toilet |
Share a lounge (if there is one) |
Share a kitchen |
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Self-contained flats
A number of students live in small self-contained flats,
where none of the facilities are shared.
A flat should have its own bathroom, toilet and kitchen.
This category will particularly interest small families, couples
or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. A self-contained flat
may have one or two bedrooms. Click
here for details of the form of contract you’d probably
sign for this type of accommodation. |
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Bedsits
Bedsits account for a small percentage of student accommodation.
A bedsit is a room which contains some form of self-
contained amenity, normally a small kitchen or separate washing
facility. Bathrooms and toilets are usually shared with other
residents. Click
here for details of the form of contract you’d probably
sign for this type of accommodation. |
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| Room in an owner's home or Lodgings
This is where you live in a house, normally with the owner.
The provision of meals and who you share with varies. House
rules and regimes can also vary considerably, so it's best
to talk to the resident owner occupier about how the house
works and what they would expect of you. |
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Although only a few students live in this kind of accommodation
it is especially useful for international students wanting to live
in a local household (also a good way to improve language skills),
younger students (particularly those under the age of 18) and those
who want a short stay. Live-in owners are often very flexible about
accepting short lets. Click
here for local statistical detail. Click
here for details of the form of contract you’d probably
sign for this type of accommodation.
The supply of bedsits, self-contained flats and houses for two
usually dries up by early September. If you're interested
in this sort of accommodation, you should really aim to sign a contract
before the beginning of August.
The market balance of these types of accommodation does, of course
vary, so check for local details.
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