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Your Current & Future Student Housing: Our Essential Advice

Whether you're in halls or in a private rental, this post contains essential advice for you, including information on 'early bird' deals and your right & responsibilities.

Beds SU

By Beds SU

Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Continued access to stable and secure housing is essential for all students and something that should be carefully considered. Even though for many, you will have only just moved into your accommodation, now is the time to think about where you'll be living next year.

In this post, we have essential advice for those living in Halls and for those living in private rentals.

Staying in Halls

Despite being only a few months into the academic year, you may soon be offered an 'early bird' deal by your accommodation provider. The deal will include a discounted rate for signing up for housing earlier than you would normally.

Don't rush to sign-up to early-bird deals as there is usually no 'cooling off' period. This means that as soon as the contract is signed by both the tenant and the landlord, the contract is legally binding and you are liable to pay the rent stated in the contract.

Even if you leave University early, you will still be liable to pay any rent that you have signed up for.

Each year, the Beds SU advice team receives support requests from students who have rushed into taking out rental agreements too early and then been unable to leave the contract.

Before you sign-up for another year of accommodation, you should consider:

  • Who you want to live with for the year - Will you still be close friends by summer? Are they noisy or messy? Could they drop out by the end of the year?
  • All your local housing options - Have you researched both private renting and purpose-built student accommodation? Do you know when properties come onto the market? Have you viewed the property?
  • How your university course is going - Will you be successful in your exams? Are you enjoying your time at university?

We recommend that you only consider signing-up for housing once;

  1. You know that you will start the next year of your course.
  2. You are completely comfortable with your housing (and housemate) decisions.

Staying in private rentals

If you've taken the plunge and moved into privately rented accommodation, with the extra freedom does come some extra responsibility. 

Here are some things you need to consider:

  • Have you budgeted for the extra bills such as gas, water and internet?
  • Have you considered whether you need contents insurance?
  • Has the landlord given you all the information regarding your deposit?
  • Have you taken all the necessary meter readings?

Now is the time to ensure that you are aware of all your rights and responsibilities, to ensure you enjoy your stay and you're able to move out when needed without any hassle.

Need more help?

If you need further advice and support, here's where you can go.