You’re only just through your first term at university, so finding accommodation for the next academic year might be the last thing on your mind.
But the reality is that the best student housing goes fast.
So, if you’re planning to live with friends or still figuring out who your future flatmates might be, starting your search now will give you the best chance to find somewhere that’s affordable, convenient, and right for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to think about when looking for your next student home… from budgets and bills to housemates and guarantors.
Why start looking for student accommodation early?
Most students begin searching for housing between November and March, and there’s a good reason for it. Simply put, the earlier you look, the more choices you have.
That usually means better properties, better locations, and better value for money.
You’re also more likely to secure lower prices before demand drives them up, and you’ll have time to compare areas, amenities, and contracts properly. Leave it too late, and you may find yourself compromising, whether that’s paying more rent, living further from campus, or missing out on the housemates you really want to live with.
Step 1: Work out your budget
Before you fall in love with a property on Homes for Students or Student Crowd, work out what you can actually afford.
It’s not just rent you need to think about, factor in:
- Bills: gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and TV licence.
- Travel costs: especially if you’re not within walking distance of campus.
- Food, books, and social life: those nights out and takeaways all add up!
If you’re on a tight budget, house-sharing is usually the most affordable option. Splitting rent and bills between several people keeps costs manageable, and if you’re careful with energy use, you could save a decent amount each month.
You might want to check whether your rent includes bills too. All-inclusive deals might look more expensive initially, but this can help you avoid nasty surprises during winter when heating costs rise.
It’s also worth checking your Student Finance entitlement or speaking to your university’s money advice service to get clarity on what funding you’ll receive.
Step 2: Choose the right housemates
Finding the right people to live with can literally make or break your university experience. You might think that moving in with friends is the safest option, but you never truly know someone until you’ve lived together. So before you jump in, consider their habits and lifestyles.
Are they tidy or messy?
Early risers or night owls?
Social butterflies or more introverted?
Living with someone who’s hosting parties all the time while you’re trying to study, or someone who wants silence when you’re full of energy, can create tension quickly.
And if you haven’t met “your people” yet, don’t worry. Most universities have housing groups, accommodation offices, and online forums where students can connect and form house shares. If sharing a house doesn’t appeal, private student halls are a solid alternative, offering flexible contracts, onsite support, and built-in social opportunities.
Read everything you need to know about living in a shared house.
Step 3: Location is everything
Your future self will thank you for choosing the right neighbourhood. A 9 am lecture feels hard enough without adding a 45-minute commute on top!
When you’re comparing different areas, think about how close you’ll be to campus, and check walking routes and bus links on Google Maps. Look at what’s nearby, whether that’s supermarkets, libraries, gyms, cafés, or nightlife. It’s also worth reading local reviews or student forums to get a sense of the safety and community. Most university cities have well-known student hotspots like Selly Oak in Birmingham, Headingley in Leeds, or Fallowfield in Manchester, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere, good transport connections, and plenty of other students around.
Know your location! Getting up for a 9 am is hard enough as it is. You don’t need the added pressures of a lengthy commute to add to your troubles. Check out the local area and see how close your amenities (transport/supermarkets/etc) are, and see how close to campus you are as well. Most major cities have a specific area dedicated to the student population, so finding a house or flat shouldn’t be too hard to find.
Step 4: Know your options
Student accommodation in the UK comes in a few main forms, each offering something slightly different. University halls are ideal for first-years who want convenience, support, and an easy way to meet people. Private halls or Purpose Built Student Accommodation (aka PBSA) tend to be newer and come with modern amenities such as gyms, study rooms, and even cinemas, although they can sit at a higher price point.
Shared houses or flats through private landlords are the go-to choice for second- and third-year students who want more independence, space, and often better value for money. If you’re looking at private rentals, you’ll usually need a UK rent guarantor to secure the property.
Many international students, or anyone without a UK-based guarantor, use services like Housing Hand, which stand as a professional guarantor and also provides you with a free virtual GP and wellbeing service.
Step 5: Start your search (and get support!)
The earlier you start, the smoother it will be. Here’s where to begin:
- University housing fairs or noticeboards.
- Online platforms like Accommodation for Students, UniAcco, Rightmove or Zoopla.
- Your university’s accommodation office.
- House Finder by Housing Hand connects you directly with trusted agents and landlords across the UK.
Housing Hand has helped over 100,000 students secure accommodation safely and stress-free. So, whether you’re looking for a studio, a shared flat, or a private house, there’s a network ready to help.
Step 6: Don’t rush the paperwork
Before signing a tenancy agreement, take the time to read every clause carefully (especially the sections about deposits, joint and several liability, notice periods, and whether you’ll need a guarantor!).
We know, it’s tempting to skim through, but understanding the terms now can save you major stress later. Always ask for a written inventory before you move in, too. This will list the condition of the property and everything inside it, and protects you from being charged for damage you didn’t cause when it’s time to move out (it happens!).
Make sure your deposit will be placed in a government-approved protection scheme, which is a legal requirement for most private rentals in the UK. And if anything is unclear, even a single line in the contract, don’t hesitate to ask your letting agent, landlord, or university accommodation office for clarification. It’s completely normal not to understand everything straight away, especially if this is your first time renting.
Getting answers now can help you sign with confidence!
Finding your next student home doesn’t need to be stressful but the key is to start early, plan carefully, and ask for help when you need it.
From budgeting and choosing the right housemates to understanding your tenancy, every step helps you build a smoother, more enjoyable university experience.
And if you need a trusted UK rent guarantor to secure your place, Housing Hand is here to help. We make renting simple, safe, and flexible, so you can focus on making the most of student life.
