How to Book Student Accommodation in the UK from Abroad?

 In this article, we answer these questions in detail and give a step-by-step booking process to help students find ideal UK accommodation efficiently and securely. First, let’s have an overall understanding about room types in the UK.
 

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Common Types of UK Student Accommodation

There are many different types of student accommodation in the UK, including university halls of residence, purpose-built student accommodation, private rental and homestay. A good understanding of the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of these types will help students make better decisions for their circumstances.

Halls of residence

UK universities offer on-campus accommodation for first-year or new university students, and these student halls of residence are usually managed directly by the university. University halls of residence are typically situated directly on the university's campus or, at the very least, in the same town or city as the university, making them a convenient option for commuting. However, many universities usually have a limited number of dormitories. Therefore, if you want to book a school dormitory, it is best to follow the university's requirements and book on the official website as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. For example, the University of Exeter accommodation page provides detailed descriptions and offers a uniform booking link. Cambridge University is a bit more unusual in that you need to apply for halls of residence on its separate college page, so read the university's requirements carefully.

Advantages

• Safe and secure: 24-hour security and access control for new arrivals to the UK.
• Convenient location: walking distance to the school building, great for bedwetters.
• Sociable and friendly: communal rooms and kitchens are shared, so you can meet students from all over the world.

Disadvantages

• Random allocation: you can't choose your flatmates, so there may be problems with different living habits.
• Older facilities: some dorm buildings are older and have less space.
• Low independence: University dormitories have numerous restrictions, such as visitor time limits and noise regulations.

Suitable Crowd

University dormitories are especially suitable for new students and those who want to integrate into campus life and make new friends quickly.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, or PBSA for short, is purpose-built student accommodation that has been invested in, built and operated by a private company. These flats are usually modern and professionally managed and have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years.

Advantages

• Fully furnished: Designed specifically for students and equipped with first-class facilities, including en-suite bathrooms, modern kitchens, high-speed internet, a gym, study rooms, and laundry facilities.
• Management: PBSA is operated by a professional management company that provides 24-hour front desk service, regular cleaning of common areas, and other amenities.
• High Security: Similar to university dormitories, PBSAs are also commonly equipped with advanced security systems, including access cards, CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security personnel to ensure the safety of students' persons and property.

Disadvantages

• Prices may be higher: Due to the high standard of facilities and services, PBSA rents may be higher than university halls of residence and private rentals.
• Far from campus: Not all PBSAs are located near the university campus, and some may require commuting by public transportation.

Suitable Crowd

PBSAs are suitable for students seeking a high quality of life, convenience, and security, and who have high expectations of accommodation facilities.

Private Rentals

Private Rentals are flats, townhouses or detached houses that students rent directly from a private landlord or through a housing agent. This approach offers maximum flexibility and choice.

Advantages

• Variety of choice: Private rentals offer a large number of properties, with a wide range of types, locations, prices, and furnishings, allowing students to find the most suitable accommodation to suit their preferences and budget.
• Lower prices: Private rented accommodation is often more competitively priced, especially in non-city centre areas.
• More independence: Private rented accommodation offers a greater degree of freedom and independence, allowing students to decorate their rooms according to their own lifestyle.

Disadvantages

• Handling contracts, bills and repairs: Students are responsible for signing rental contracts with landlords or agents, handling bills such as utilities, internet and council tax, as well as routine maintenance and repairs. This requires a certain level of self-care and legal knowledge.
• Possible bad landlords: The private rental market is complex, and students may encounter irresponsible landlords or agents, which can lead to issues such as disputes over deposits and delays in repairs.
• Lower security: Compared to university halls of residence and PBSA, private rented accommodation may not be as secure as the former, and students need to be vigilant about the safety of their personal and property.

Suitable Crowd

Private rented accommodation is suitable for senior students, those who want to experience local life, are on a budget and are capable of taking care of themselves.

Homestay

Homestay means living in a local home, including two or three meals a day. Some homes will have more than one student living in them, and each person will have a room of their own with a bathroom and kitchen in the home.

Advantage

• In-depth cultural experience: living with a local family will help students familiarise themselves with the surrounding environment and also improve their speaking skills.
• Meal service: most families provide breakfast and dinner, so students don't need to worry about daily meals.
• Family-like care: someone will bring medicine when you are sick, and decorating the Christmas tree together during festivals will ease your homesickness.

Disadvantages

• Strict schedules: students have less freedom as they are required to follow their families' schedules and rules.
• Commute problem: Homestay families may not be located near the school, and students may have to commute for extended periods.
• Privacy restrictions: bathrooms and common areas need to be shared with family members.

Suitable Crowd

Homestays are suitable for students who are new to the UK and want to adapt to the environment quickly, experience the culture and improve their English, especially for younger students or those who lack experience in independent living.

Factors to Consider When Renting Accommodation in the UK

When searching for and booking student accommodation in the UK, as well as understanding the various types of accommodation available, several key factors must be considered, including budget, location, facilities, tenancy length, contract terms, security, and other relevant factors.

• Budget: Budget is the number one factor in determining your choice of accommodation. Rent varies greatly from city to city and region to region in the UK, with London generally having higher rents than other cities, while student housing Southampton is more affordable. When setting a budget, it's essential to consider not only the rent itself but also deposits, utility bills, and other expenses. uhomes.com offers all-inclusive UK accommodation, so students don't have to worry about utility bills.
• Location: Choosing the right location can reduce the hassle of commuting and allow you to enjoy city life. When choosing a location, you need to take into account the proximity to the school, nearby transport links, amenities and the neighbourhood. Ideal accommodation should be within easy reach of the school, have a lively community atmosphere and be surrounded by amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, pharmacies and other amenities.
• Room Amenities: Check if the room is fully furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, oven, microwave, fridge, Wi-Fi, washing machine, dishwasher, etc. Choose a fully furnished house, and you can move in straight away.
• Rental period: Rental periods in the UK are usually 9-12 months, covering the entire academic year. Private accommodation also offers short-term lets for exchange students, language course students or summer course students. Choose the term that best suits your programme.
• Security: When choosing a place to stay, research the security situation in your neighbourhood and the basic security features of your room, such as 24-hour CCTV, access control, on-site staff, and smoke alarms.
• Contracts: Before signing any rental contract, it is important to read and understand all the terms and conditions carefully. The contract blood medicine clarifies the rights and obligations of both parties, including the rent, rental period, deposit amount, return conditions, repair responsibility, early termination clause, and other key details.

Why Choose uhomes.com?

uhomes.com is a platform specialising in providing overseas rental and living services for international students, covering 27 major study destinations, including the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, etc. uhomes.com has served over 3 million customers and found ideal accommodations for 300,000 students. It offers verified listings, multi-language support and secure online booking to simplify the process. Whether you're looking for affordable student accommodation in Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Coventry, or other cities, you'll find an ideal one effortlessly at uhomes.com.

• Rich listings: Covering 27 countries such as the UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc., with 2.4 million listings.
• Security: 100% real listings, listing details page built-in VR viewing, video viewing, picture viewing, video interviews with tenants and other online viewing modes. All the videos of the listings are taken in real life.
• All-inclusive bill: Rent covers water, electricity and water costs.
• Professional consultants: Experienced one-on-one rental consultants will assist students through the entire rental process, from property recommendation and contract interpretation to move-in guidance.
• Virtual Viewing: All properties offer high-definition pictures, videos, and VR panoramic views, allowing students to understand the property's situation even when they are abroad.

How to Book Student Accommodation with uhomes.com?

uhomes.com simplifies the entire booking process by offering multilingual support and secure online booking. Whether you're looking for city centre accommodation or properties in popular areas where students gather, you can secure them quickly on the website. Here's a step-by-step guide to booking student housing at uhomes.com, taking Bristol as an example: 

Step 1: Filter for suitable accommodation

Filter through the filtering features on the uhomes.com website, including price, location, room type, distance to university, length of tenancy, and specific needs for facilities or amenities, to find student accommodation in Bristol that meets your requirements.

Step 2: View Listing Specifics

Browse the filtered listing page and click the listed properties to view specific floor plans, amenities, locations, room types, prices, verified videos and images.

Step 3: Contact the advisor

Click on the "Get in Touch" button on the right of the listing or the "Ask Me" button in the bottom right corner. Fill out the form with your contact information and search requirements, and the dedicated leasing consultant will reach out to you as soon as possible.

Step 4: Virtual tour and finish booking

Send the Bristol property you are interested in to the consultant. The consultant will provide a detailed introduction to the property and arrange a viewing for you. After deciding which property you want, the consultant will send you the leasing documents to verify their accuracy and guide you through the signing process to complete the booking.

uhomes.com enables all processes to be completed online, allowing students to avoid spending time and effort searching for properties offline. If you don't want to spend too much time hunting for properties, you can also tell the consultant directly your specific needs, and he/she will recommend the most suitable ones for you.

Tips for Booking Student Housing Abroad in the UK

Booking UK student accommodation from abroad requires students to be more careful. Therefore, be clear about your needs and carefully review the property information and rental contract. Here are some tips to help you avoid trouble:

Start searching and booking as early as possible

Student accommodation in the UK is in high demand, especially in popular study cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, as well as around leading universities. It is advisable to start searching and booking accommodation as soon as you receive your university offer letter. International students are advised to do this 6 months in advance.

Verify the accuracy of the listing

Whether it's a dormitory offered by your school or off-campus accommodation on the uhomes.com platform, make sure you check the listing for details, including photos, location and amenities. International students can ask on social media sites if any students are living in the flat to learn more about the real accommodation experience.

Choose your location carefully

Location affects the convenience and comfort of university life. Local students have a good understanding of the city environment, so when renting an apartment, they are more likely to choose an area that is close to the university and has good transport links. International students also consider religious beliefs and food habits. For example, Indian students should consider areas close to the Indian community, such as South London, Manchester Rusholme or Hyde Park in Leeds, where there are Indian supermarkets, vegetarian restaurants, temples and more.

Read the contract carefully

Before signing a contract for off-campus accommodation, read the terms and conditions of the contract carefully, focusing on the length of the tenancy, the refund policy, the deposit clause and the utility bills.

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Conclusion

Booking student accommodation in the UK is a process that requires meticulous planning and care for international students abroad. uhomes.com makes it easy for students to find the UK accommodation of their choice with its extensive listings, professional Chinese language service, online viewing capabilities and commitment to student safety and security.