This information is for orientation only. Tenancy law varies between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For disputes consult Shelter or a housing adviser.
Housing roadmap
Before arrival (halls/Airbnb) → Viewing → Contract → Deposit in scheme → Check-in inventory → Council tax
Student checklist — housing
- 4–8 weeks before: apply for halls of residence + alerts on Rightmove/Zoopla/SpareRoom.
- First week: hotel, Airbnb or temporary sublet — do not pay full months without a contract.
- Before signing: UK nation of the property, contract type, joint tenancy, bills included.
- Right to Rent: eVisa share code or passport + visa for the landlord.
- After signing: deposit scheme receipt + photos of meters and pre-existing damage.
- Council tax: if all full-time students, apply for exemption with the council.
Where to live: halls vs private market
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| University halls | Near campus, bills often included, community | High cost in London; visitor rules |
| SpareRoom room | Flexible, social | Joint tenancy, scams |
| Whole flat | Privacy | UK guarantor often required |
| Private halls (Unite, etc.) | Services, clear contract | Premium price |
Where to search
- Rightmove — Main portal.
- Zoopla
- OpenRent — Lower agent fees.
- SpareRoom — Rooms and flatshares.
- University accommodation office — Halls and approved lists.
Indicative rents by city (2026)
Monthly rent for a room in a flatshare (excluding deposits and bills). Volatile market — indicative figures.
| City / area | Room | Studio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (zones 2–3) | 900–1,400+ GBP | 1,600–2,500+ GBP | Defined as «London» for student visa |
| Manchester / Birmingham | 500–750 GBP | 900–1,300 GBP | Large universities, high demand |
| Edinburgh / Glasgow | 550–850 GBP | 950–1,400 GBP | Different Scottish law (PRT) |
| Leeds / Bristol / Liverpool | 450–700 GBP | 800–1,200 GBP | Active student market |
| Cardiff / Belfast | 400–650 GBP | 750–1,100 GBP | Wales / NI: local rules |
Last updated: May 2026 — indicative market data
Contract and UK nations
- England: usually Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) — fixed term, break clause possible.
- Scotland: Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) — more flexible tenant notice.
- Wales: standard occupation contract.
- Northern Ireland: own rules — check Housing Rights.
- Joint tenancy: each tenant is liable for the entire rent if others do not pay.
Protected tenancy deposit
- Typical max deposit 5 weeks rent where annual rent under £50k (England — check current thresholds).
- Landlord must protect in TDS, DPS or MyDeposits within 30 days.
- You receive prescribed information with scheme number.
- At check-out: inventory compared; dispute via scheme if you disagree.
Right to Rent
- The landlord must verify your right to rent.
- Generate a share code on GOV.UK (View and Prove) for landlord/agent.
- Keep passport and decision letter / eVisa.
Council tax and students
- Full-time students in a property occupied only by students may be exempt — university certificate required for the council.
- One non-student housemate → the whole household may become liable.
- Register online on the local council website.
HMO and safety
- Homes with 3+ unrelated tenants may be an HMO — council licence required.
- Check smoke alarm, gas certificates (CP12), EPC rating.
Common scams
- Cloned listings with prices too low.
- Deposit requested before viewing via irreversible transfer.
- Fake agent — verify company number on Companies House.
- Sublet without landlord consent — eviction risk.
Useful links
Sources
Without TDP registration you can recover up to 3× court filing — ask for proof.
Quick reference
London and Oxford/Cambridge: saturated market. First year halls simplify life; in flat you often need guarantor UK or high deposit. Separate energy bills.
Student housing
University halls
Catering or self-catered; termly payment. Excellent for the first year and immediate proof of address.
Private rented
Agencies (Foxtons, local) take fees. Flatshare reduces cost but rigorous screening.
- SpareRoom
- Rightmove
- OpenRent
Lease and rent
Contract and deposit
Areas and neighborhoods
Examples of zones
Utilities and what rent includes
Bills
Gas/electric often separate; cap to £ with tariff. Internet: Virgin, BT, Hyperoptic in new buildings.
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Tenancy & deposit (summary)
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) | Common private-rented pattern—check fixed term, break clauses, and rent review rules |
| Tenancy deposit | Must be protected within 30 days in an approved scheme (DPS, TDS, mydeposits, etc.) |
| How to rent guide | Landlords must provide the current booklet in many cases—keep your copy |
| HMO licensing | Extra rules and licences for larger shared houses—check your council |
Council tax & utilities
Council tax
Liability and student discounts depend on your council—submit full-time student certificates.
Energy
Ofgem-regulated market; compare suppliers and standing charges; clarify who holds the account.
Disputes
Deposit disputes: use your scheme’s free adjudication; wider housing advice from Citizens Advice.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.