The best areas to rent in Durham

Best place in Durham

Durham is one of the UK’s most distinctive places to live. It’s home to a world-class Russell Group university, steeped in history, and surrounded by countryside; so it has that rare mix of academic prestige, character, and community.  If you’re a student moving out of halls, a postgraduate, or a working professional relocating to the […]

The best places for studying in London

A focused young Black man in an olive green jacket over a white t-shirt sits at a wooden table in a traditional library, intently reading an open book with stacked books and notebooks beside him. The warm, academic setting with wooden bookshelves in the background captures the atmosphere and educational opportunities of studying in London, including places like the British Library.

Studying in London comes with its challenges: busy streets, distractions everywhere, and the constant temptation to do anything except revise. But it also comes with one significant advantage: variety.  As one of the world’s biggest student cities, London is packed with inspiring places to study. Whether you need absolute silence, a creative buzz, or a […]

Who can be a rent guarantor?

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a black and white geometric patterned top, sits at a table with a laptop and coffee cup in a modern office or café setting. She has a warm, engaged expression as she appears to be in conversation, representing someone considering the responsibilities and requirements of who can be a rent guarantor for a family member or friend seeking rental accommodation.

If you’re renting in the UK, there’s a strong chance you’ll be asked to provide a rent guarantor. But for many renters, especially students, international renters, or people early in their careers, this can quickly become one of the biggest obstacles to securing a home. In theory, you might already understand what a guarantor is, […]

How Housing Hand’s commitment to education reflects our core values of safety & security

17:04Three young Indian girls in matching light blue gingham school uniforms with 'SOSS' badges stand together outside a building with weathered blue and brown windows. The girls, of varying ages with their hair styled in plaits and ponytails adorned with red ribbons, look directly at the camera representing the educational opportunities and life-changing impact that charitable initiatives can provide to transform lives of three Indian girls and support their futures.

At Housing Hand, our primary mission has always been to help students and young professionals secure a stable home so they can focus on what matters: study, work, and life.   But that focus on security and opportunity extends beyond finding renting and guarantor agreements.  We’re proud to support the Better Future Collective’s partnership with Sneh Girls Shikshan Sansthan in Rajasthan, India. This school […]

What is joint and several liability (and why it matters more than you think)

A group of five students gathered in a bright, modern shared kitchen with white cabinets, having a discussion around a laptop on the dining table. The diverse group includes students working together, with drinks and notebooks visible, representing housemates collaborating and making important decisions about finding suitable second year accommodation after their first year in university halls.

If you’re moving into a shared house or flat – whether as a student, young professional, or just trying to split costs – you’ll probably need to sign a tenancy agreement with your housemates. Everything seems simple enough… until you see the phrase “joint and several liability.” It might just sound like legal jargon, but […]

How to find second year accommodation for students (and why you should start now) 

A young man wearing glasses and a young woman, both carrying cardboard boxes with small potted plants and personal belongings, smile at each other as they move into a shared property. The scene in a modern hallway captures the optimistic start of shared tenancy, highlighting the importance of understanding joint and several liability in rental contracts to avoid being financially responsible for flatmates' unpaid rent.

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, […]

10 Secret Santa gift ideas for students in 2025

A kraft paper wrapped gift box tied with red and white striped string and a handwritten tag reading "Secret Santa," positioned in front of a blurred festive background featuring miniature red house decorations and twinkling lights. The presented package captures the anticipation and fun of exchanging budget-friendly secret Santa gift ideas during the holiday season.

Secret Santa is a uni classic and a great Christmas tradition. It’s fun to do with your flatmates, course group, or part-time job crew, finding something funny, affordable, and actually practical can feel like a full-time assignment. But don’t panic. We’ve rounded up ten student-approved Secret Santa gift ideas that are cheap, cheerful, and guaranteed […]

Money saving tips in your first term at university

A person's hands working on a laptop computer at a desk, with one hand gesturing while the other uses the trackpad, representing a student managing their finances online and researching practical money saving tips at university to help budget effectively during their first term and beyond.

Starting university is one of the most exciting milestones in life! New friends, new city, newfound independence. And for many, this is the first time managing your own money. The first term can be considerably more expensive with freshers’ week, accommodation deposits, buying textbooks, kitting out your student room, and simply finding your feet.  Without […]

About Housing Hand: Helping you rent with confidence

A diverse and friendly team of approximately 20 professionals from Housing Hand standing together in a modern, bright office space with industrial-style windows and exposed ductwork. The welcoming group displays an approachable and professional atmosphere, representing the experienced and trustworthy team behind Housing Hand that landlords, letting agents, and accommodation providers work with when choosing a guarantor partner to provide reliable financial protection and support for rental agreements.

If this is your first time renting in the UK, it can feel incredibly daunting, especially if you aren’t familiar with the system. But at Housing Hand, we genuinely believe that this should be an exciting step. Whether you are a UK student, an international student, or a young working professional, the UK rental market […]

Making your rental property feel like home

A bright, inviting living room viewed through lush green palm fronds in the foreground, featuring a grey sofa with olive green cushions, a wooden coffee table with a decorative bowl, beige curtains, a woven pendant light, botanical wall art, and natural textures throughout. The warm, personalized space demonstrates thoughtful styling and homey touches that illustrate practical ways of making your rental property feel like a home.

Moving into a rental property is exciting, but it can also feel a little impersonal at first. White walls, basic furniture, and a lack of familiarity can make it difficult to settle in. So if you’re a student moving away for the first time or a working professional relocating for your career, creating a sense […]

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Housemates

Housemates are on a mission to improve your student accommodation experience. Find your student room quickly, safely and easily online – with all bills included and no hidden fees!

Uhomes

Uhomes

Book Your Perfect Student Housing with Uhomes. Eliminate the inconvenience of arranging your student housing during these prime years.

Uhomes

Book Your Perfect Student Housing with Uhomes. Eliminate the inconvenience of arranging your student housing during these prime years. 

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Housemates

Housemates are on a mission to improve your student accommodation experience. Find your student room quickly, safely and easily online – with all bills included and no hidden fees!

Search Housemates

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