HOW TO BOOK AN APARTMENT IN THE UK AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT.

- February 28, 2024

If you are planning to study in the UK, one of the most important things you need to consider is where you will live. Finding a suitable and affordable place to stay can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the UK housing market. However, there are many options available for international students, and this guide will help you navigate them and book your apartment in the UK.

The first step is to decide what type of accommodation you prefer. There are mainly four types of accommodation for international students in the UK:

UNIVERSITY DORMS OR HALLS OF RESIDENCE: These are on-campus or near-campus buildings that provide single or shared rooms for students. They are usually cheaper than other options and offer a social and convenient environment. However, they may have limited availability, shared facilities, and little privacy.

PRIVATE DORMS OR STUDENT HALLS: These are similar to university dorms, but they are managed by private companies or organizations. They may offer more amenities, such as studio rooms, cinema rooms, or saunas, but they are also more expensive and may be noisy or crowded.

RENTED APARTMENTS: These are self-contained/studio apartment units that you can rent from a landlord or an agency. They offer more privacy and freedom, but they are also more costly and require more responsibilities, such as paying bills, cleaning, and dealing with the landlord.

ROOMS IN PRIVATE HOUSES: These are rooms that you can rent from a homeowner who lives in the same house. They are usually cheaper and more homely, but they may also have less space, shared facilities, and house rules.

Once you have decided what type of accommodation you want, you need to start your search. The best time to start looking is a few months before your arrival, as the demand for housing is high and the availability is low. Here are some tips on how to find and book your apartment in the UK:

• Use online platforms: There are many websites and apps that can help you find and compare different accommodation options in the UK, such as Accommodation for Students, SpareRoom, Rightmove, or Zoopla. You can filter your search by location, price, size, and facilities, and contact the landlords or agents directly. However, be careful of scams and fake listings, and never pay any money before you see the place and sign a contract.

• Contact your university: Your university may have a housing office or a student union that can provide you with information and guidance on housing options for international students. They may also have lists of local housing available for rent, or partnerships with private dorms or student halls. You can check their website or email them for more details.

• Book temporary accommodation: It is not advisable to book long-term accommodation before you arrive in the UK, as you may not be able to inspect the place or verify its quality. Instead, you can book temporary accommodation, such as a hotel, a guest house, a hostel, or an Airbnb, for a few days or weeks, and use that time to look for your permanent place. You can also use this opportunity to meet other students who are looking for housing and form a flat share.

• Visit the place and sign a contract: Once you have found a place that suits your needs and budget, you should arrange a viewing with the landlord or the agent and inspect the place carefully. You should check the condition of the property, the facilities, the security, and the neighbourhood. You should also ask about the rent, the deposit, the bills, the maintenance, and the contract terms. If you are happy with the place, you should sign a contract and pay the deposit and the first month's rent. Make sure you read the contract carefully and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

By following these steps, you should be able to book your apartment in the UK as an international student. However, if you encounter any problems or have any questions, you can always seek help from your university, your country's embassy, or a local housing charity. Remember to plan ahead, do your research, and be flexible, and you will find "Your home away from home in the UK".

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