Douglas Olsen
As an international student, finding housing in England can be daunting, especially in popular cities like London. The first step is to decide on your budget and the type of accommodation you want. You can choose between on-campus halls of residence, private halls, private rentals, or shared houses or flats with other students. It's important to start your search early and be prompt in your decision-making, as places fill up quickly. Online resources and student forums can be useful for finding off-campus accommodation, and universities often provide advice and support to help students find housing. When viewing properties, ensure you ask the right questions and look for potential problems and features. Be aware of potential scams and always understand the terms of your tenancy agreement.
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What You'll Learn
- Student housing options: university-managed vs private halls, shared houses, homestays, and private rentals
- How to avoid scams and fake landlords?
- Understanding right to rent checks and guarantors
- The importance of early planning and research
- Additional costs: utility bills, groceries, transportation, and council tax
Student housing options: university-managed vs private halls, shared houses, homestays, and private rentals
As an international student, you have several options for accommodation in England. You can choose between university-managed residences, private halls, shared houses, homestays, and private rentals. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, which are outlined below.
University-Managed Residences:
University-managed residences, also known as university halls, are owned and operated by the university itself. These residences are typically located on or near campus, providing convenient access to university facilities. The cost of living in university-managed residences is usually lower than private options, making them a good choice for students on a tight budget. Some universities may try to prioritise their own accommodation offerings, which may be more expensive than private alternatives. University residences often provide a sense of community and can be a great way to meet other students. However, the application process and room allocation can sometimes be confusing, and the infrastructure may not always be up-to-date.
Private Halls:
Private halls are owned and managed by private companies, offering furnished apartments with various amenities. These residences are typically more expensive than university-managed halls, but they often include additional services such as catering, laundry, and sports facilities. Private halls may be better suited to students with higher incomes and usually require a separate application process. They are often located near universities and provide a modern and convenient living experience.
Shared Houses:
Shared houses, also known as student houses, are a common option for students. They involve renting a house with a group of friends or other students. This option can be more affordable when splitting the cost among multiple people. Finding a shared house typically involves browsing online listings or attending university housing days. While it can be daunting to find a group of friends to live with, there are usually still plenty of options available outside the peak season. It's important to view the properties in person and ask the right questions to ensure the house meets your needs and expectations.
Homestays:
Homestays offer international students the opportunity to live with a host family, providing a home-away-from-home experience. Organisations like International Students House (ISH) and London Homestays offer safe and comfortable homestay accommodation at reasonable prices. Homestay providers carefully select host families and match them with students based on specific requirements. This option allows students to immerse themselves in local culture and gain a supportive family environment during their studies.
Private Rentals:
Private rentals involve renting an apartment or room directly from a landlord or through a letting agency. This option provides more independence and privacy but may require more effort and patience to find a suitable place. Private rentals can vary in terms of location, price, and amenities, so it's important to compare different options and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Online platforms like uhomes.com can assist international students in finding private rental accommodations that match their specific needs.
In summary, each housing option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. It's important to research and plan ahead, as the availability and suitability of accommodations can vary depending on the location and timing of your search. University housing services, student unions, and online resources can provide valuable guidance in finding the right accommodation that meets your specific needs and budget as an international student in England.
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How to avoid scams and fake landlords
As an international student in England, you may be a target for scammers and fake landlords, so it's important to be vigilant and aware of potential frauds and scams. Here are some detailed tips on how to avoid scams and fake landlords when looking for housing:
Firstly, be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true. If the rent is much cheaper than similar properties in the area, it could be a scam. Scammers often use fake listings, with attractive prices and beautiful photos, often stolen from other sites or legitimate listings. They might also create multiple listings with the same photos. They will pressure you to make a quick decision and pay a deposit or advance rent before you've even seen the property, claiming it is in high demand. Legitimate landlords will never ask for money before a property viewing or a signed contract.
Always view the property in person before paying any money. Scammers often refuse in-person viewings, offering excuses like being abroad or having a busy schedule. They might send videos or photos, but these could be fake or stolen. If you are unable to view the property yourself, try sending a friend or use a virtual viewing service provided by some companies.
Verify the landlord's ID and check their contact details. Landlords should provide identification and proof of ownership. Try any landline numbers provided as fraudsters often give false numbers, and be wary of listings with only an email address. You can also ask your university's international office or student union for suggestions of trustworthy letting agents or landlords.
Be cautious of anyone asking for payments through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or overseas accounts. Only pay to verified accounts.
Be aware of spamming or self-promotion. Scammers might pretend to be ultra-rich individuals looking to help students or connect them with a wonderful and honest landlord. They may also pretend to be students themselves.
Lastly, use your common sense and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's better to be cautious and do more research or seek advice from your university or student union.
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Understanding right to rent checks and guarantors
As an international student in England, you will need to undergo a 'right to rent' check to ensure that you have the legal right to live in the UK. Landlords in England are required to check their tenants' immigration status before granting a tenancy agreement. This check can be performed online or manually. For the online check, you can generate a share code that evidences your right to rent, which your landlord will then use to complete the check. For a manual check, you can provide your passport and valid entry stamp or, if you weren't given a stamp, evidence of the date you entered the UK, such as a flight ticket or boarding pass.
It's important to note that your landlord must perform this check within 28 days before the official start date of your tenancy. If you are outside of the UK and waiting for your student visa, you will need to wait until you have received it before signing a tenancy agreement.
In addition to the right-to-rent checks, landlords may also require you to provide a guarantor, especially if you are renting private accommodation. A guarantor is responsible for paying your rent if you are unable to and is usually a UK-based individual with a steady income. If you cannot provide a guarantor, you may be asked to pay most or all of the rent upfront before moving in. To find a guarantor, you can use services such as UK Guarantor or Housing Hand, which connect students with guarantors. Alternatively, in some cases, your institution may be able to act as your guarantor. When choosing a guarantor, carefully review the agreement and clarify any uncertainties. Ensure that the guarantor's financial liability is limited to your personal rent and damages.
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The importance of early planning and research
As an international student, it is important to start planning and researching your accommodation options in the UK early. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, desired location, and personal preferences.
Firstly, you should be aware of the different accommodation options available to international students in the UK. The most common type is on-campus accommodation, also known as university halls of residence. These are often affordable and convenient, especially for first-year students, as they provide an opportunity to socialise and meet other students. University accommodation is usually managed by the university itself, but some universities also work with external organisations or private companies. Alternatively, you can opt for off-campus accommodation, such as renting a shared house or flat with other students, which offers more independence and freedom to choose your location and roommates. Another option is a homestay, where you live with a local family, which can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
It is recommended to start your search early, especially for on-campus housing, as places fill up quickly and demand often exceeds supply. Many universities hold housing days during the first term, where you can seek advice and meet with letting agents, external organisations, and other students. Online resources and student forums are also useful tools to find accommodation and get insights from current students. When considering your options, be mindful of potential frauds and scams that target international students.
In addition to rental costs, there will be additional living costs such as utilities, groceries, and transportation. It is important to research the local housing market and cost of living in your chosen city, as these can vary significantly across the UK. You should also be aware of any immigration checks, 'right to rent' requirements, and guarantor expectations from landlords.
By starting your research early, you can make an informed decision about your accommodation, ensuring that you have a comfortable place to stay during your studies in the UK.
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Additional costs: utility bills, groceries, transportation, and council tax
As an international student in England, you should be prepared for additional costs beyond your tuition fees and rent. These include utility bills, groceries, transportation, and council tax.
Utility Bills
Energy bills, including electricity and gas, will likely be billed quarterly. You can choose your energy supplier and compare costs using a comparison site or Money Saving Expert. Water is supplied by local water companies, and student accommodation usually covers water bills, but private accommodation may not. Ask your landlord about this. You will either be charged according to your usage with a meter or be on a standard tariff based on an estimate of your house's usage.
Groceries
Groceries can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Look for student discounts, shop second-hand, and keep an eye out for free or cheap grocery giveaways.
Transportation
Transportation is another significant expense, but there are ways to reduce costs. Many universities offer free or discounted shuttle buses, bike rental schemes, or partnerships with local transport providers, so check with your university. Student discounts are also widely available. For example, full-time students get a 30% discount on standard tube and bus fares with a Student Oyster Card and National Rail Card. An Oyster Card is a smart card that you can top up to pay as you go for bus, tram, London Overground, and other transport services. A monthly Student Oyster Card for Zones 1-2 costs £103. Alternatively, the Young Persons Railcard (for those aged 16-25 and full-time students over 25) costs £30 for one year and offers a 30% discount on rail fares across the country.
Council Tax
Council tax is a mandatory fee for residents in England, but full-time students are usually exempt from paying it.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common type of accommodation for international students in England is student housing arranged by your college or university, typically in large halls of residence. You can also opt for private halls, which are owned and managed by private companies and tend to be more expensive. Many international students also choose to rent shared houses or flats with other students, giving them more independence and control over their location and flatmates. Homestays are another option, where students live with local families, which can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
It is recommended to start your search early, especially if you're considering on-campus housing, as places fill up quickly. You can begin by checking your university's website for information on accommodation options and application deadlines. Many universities also run housing days in the first term, providing advice on housing and often featuring commercial letting agents. Online resources are also increasingly popular, allowing you to search for properties across the city from the comfort of your home.
The cost of student housing in England varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. On-campus accommodation is generally more affordable, with an average weekly cost of £212 in London and £166 in the rest of the UK. Private dorms in London can range from £110 to £210 per week, while private apartments in the city typically start at £750 per month.
It is important to be aware of potential frauds and scams targeting international students. Always ensure that you understand your contract terms and only pay deposits to legitimate landlords. Private landlords will also need to perform a right to rent' check to ensure you have the necessary immigration permission to rent in England. Additionally, consider the additional living costs such as utilities, groceries, and transportation when creating your budget.
