Types of accommodation

Shared Houses/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.

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.

Studio Flats

A studio is a self contained property which contains most of the amenities within one room, usually has a separate bathroom. Rent is advertised as the total rent for the property per week.

Bedsits

Bedsits account for a small percentage of student accommodation. Click here for local statistical detail. 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.

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.

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.

Large developments

A lot of first year students will live in large developments and so will a much smaller percentage of returning students. These are privately owned, single developments that house 25 students or more. They're often divided into flats for 4 to 6 students who have individual bedrooms (some with en-suite). The kitchen, bathroom and living space are shared.

City Centre Living  

Increasingly letting agents are offering more accommodation to rent in the city centre. This is often marketed as ‘buying in to a lifestyle’ rather than just a housing choice. Entertainment, Shopping and other services are all within easy reach and often the new developments offer in-house facilities such as parking, internet and a gym. Properties are often right in the city centre and tend to be smaller flat shares or self-contained properties. These properties are primarily in purpose built developments with a mixed resident profile. Some residents will be owner-occupiers, some young professionals and occasionally young families and older residents. It’s important that you think carefully about living so close to other people and decide whether this type of ‘city living’ is for you. These properties are often offered at a premium price so if you are looking for something more affordable you may need to look further out.