Students come from different backgrounds and have diverse circumstances, therefore your accommodation needs vary. The types of rented accommodation registered with accommodation services are: lodgings, shared flats/houses and whole flats/houses.
We also keep a list of short stay accommodation which provides a useful source of temporary accommodation whilst searching for something more permanent.
The short stay accommodation list is a selection of hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfast and hostels in close proximity to our campuses as well as in central London which has been compiled by the University. As a guide, prices per person per night will vary from approximately £30 to £50 for guest houses, £20 to £40 for hostels and £35 to £110 for hotels. Please contact the establishment directly for individual rates, availability and to book your accommodation.
It is essential that students do not arrive without funds and without at least arranging some form of temporary accommodation.
Lodgings are where the accommodation is shared with the owner. These are especially suited to the younger students who are living away from home for the first time, and to students who do not wish to commit themselves to a tenancy agreement.
What to expect
It will be a single room of your own but sharing the facilities of the house with the householder.
You should be provided with your own front door key.
Your room should be adequately heated and ventilated for studying in comfort and equipped with study facilities, i.e. use of a desk or table and a study chair and should be large enough to allow adequate storage space for clothes, books and other personal belongings.
All bedding, including bed linen, should be provided and laundered by the householder. Personal laundry is your own responsibility although some owners offer to do this for a small charge.
Most accommodation will be self-catering, with use of the household kitchen by arrangement. However, some owners may be prepared to provide meals.
House rules
Before entering into an agreement to take up a room in lodgings it is advisable to check the terms of your residence with the owner. For example:
- Amount of rent and what it covers payment dates
- Notice period
- Arrangement over the holiday periods
- Use of the telephone
- Keys
- Any house rules such as whether smoking is allowed in the house, etc.
Deposits and rent in advance
Students are usually expected to pay a deposit of up to four week's rent, and rent in advance equivalent to up to four week's rent.
It is advisable not to hand over cash, pay by cheque. Always get a receipt for any money you pay to the property owner, which clearly states what the amount covers. This will avoid any possible later disputes.
Notice
If you wish to change your accommodation you must give reasonable notice, preferably in writing. Most owners will accept four week's notice but this must be specifically agreed between you at the time of moving in.
Your rights
If you are a tenant in a family home you have fewer rights than ordinary tenants. If you share a kitchen, bathroom, or living area with the owner, you have few rights to remain in the property if the owner wants you to leave .It is advisable to have this in writing to avoid any later disputes.
These are rooms in self-contained properties where each room is let individually. This form of accommodation is particularly suitable for individual students wishing to share a property with other students.
Your rights
You have the legal right to quiet enjoyment, repairs, protection from eviction and harassment. Owners should give at least 24 hour's notice (except in an emergency) and arrange a reasonable time of the day to inspect the condition and state of repair of the property, and carry out repairs for which they are responsible.
The landlord cannot evict you without an eviction order from the court.
These are whole properties for rent to a group of students, popular for students who have already formed groups and wish to share a property together.
Your rights
You have the legal right to quiet enjoyment, repairs, protection from eviction and harassment. Owners should give at least 24 hour's notice (except in an emergency) and arrange a reasonable time of the day to inspect the condition and state of repair of the property, and carry out repairs for which they are responsible.
The landlord cannot evict you without an eviction order from the court.
