How to Get Accommodation in the UK as a Student

A home is more than just four walls and a roof. It’s where you kick back after a long day, get into your studies in your favourite cosy nook, whip up meals that remind you of home, and share laughs with friends who quickly become family. It’s that personal space that makes a new city feel like your own.

So, how do you find a place like that in the UK when you’re just starting out as a student?

Understand Your Accommodation Options

Before you get into your search, it helps to know what types of student accommodation you can go for:

• University Halls: These are usually the easiest and cheapest option for first-year students. They’re often on or close to campus, so you’ll be near your classes and student life activities.
  
  
• Private Student Halls: Similar to university halls but managed by private companies. They often come with extra perks like gyms or social spaces.
  
  
• Shared Houses or Flats: Renting a room in a house or flat shared with other students or young professionals. This option is great if you want more independence and a homier feel.
  
  
• Private Rentals: Renting your own place or flat. This is usually for later years or postgraduate students who want more privacy.

When deciding between on-campus and off-campus accommodation in the UK, many students assume that living off campus is cheaper. However, that’s not always the case, especially for first-time international students. 

Staying in your university’s accommodation is often safer and more convenient. It spares you the stress of searching for trustworthy landlords or flatmates and helps you avoid scams in your first year. Campus housing is also typically closer to lecture halls, saving you time and transport costs. 

Most UK universities are located near town centres, so it is easier to explore the city. For those interested in student-specific housing, the best place to start is your school’s portal, which usually lists the most reliable and affordable options.

Where to Find Accommodation Online

If the options you are seeing so far haven’t met your standard yet, the internet is packed with options. Here are some of the most popular and reliable sites to check out:

• UniHomes: Perfect for student-specific rentals, both university and private halls.
  
• Rightmove: One of the UK’s largest property portals, ideal for shared houses and private flats.
  
• SpareRoom: A go-to site if you’re looking for a room to rent in a shared place.
  
• Student.com: This specialises in student housing around the UK, often with flexible lease options.
  
• HousingAnywhere: This is a great platform, especially popular with international students.
  

When you browse these sites, look out for detailed descriptions, photos, and, if possible, reviews from other students. And don’t be shy to ask the landlord or agency questions. It’s your future home, so make sure it ticks all your boxes.

Pay With Geegpay

After you find the perfect place, comes the payment part which entails deposits, rent, maybe some admin fees. For international students, sending money overseas can get expensive and complicated with hidden fees and slow transfers.

This is where Geegpay makes life simpler. Geegpay lets you send and receive money internationally at a very affordable fee, offers competitive exchange rates, and the transfers are fast and secure. 

Plus, Geegpay works smoothly on your phone or laptop, supports multiple currencies, and lets you manage payments anytime, anywhere. 

A Few More Tips to Keep in Mind

• Start your search early: The best places go quickly, especially in big university cities.
• Visit in person if you can: Photos can be helpful, but nothing beats seeing the place yourself.
• Read the contract carefully: Know your tenancy terms, what bills you’re responsible for, and any house rules.
• Budget for extras: Think about bills like electricity, water, internet, and council tax 
• Ask about roommates: If you’re sharing, get to know who you’ll be living with, if possible.

Finding the right student accommodation in the UK sets the foundation for a great university experience. Take your time, do your research, and lean on tools like Geegpay to make the payment part stress-free. Click here to create your Geegpay account if you don’t have one.

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