Starting university in a new country is an exciting experience, but finding accommodation in that country, especially if you have never been there before, can be downright stressful.
When I received my offer to attend university in the UK, I was so happy that I couldn’t wait to celebrate with my friends and family. However, little more than a week later, I knew that before I came to the UK, I had to get started on finding the most important thing, accommodation.
I still remember how dizzying it felt to be bombarded by the flood of information when searching for student accommodations. So, I'll outline some of the problems I experienced and some of the things I learned which may be beneficial to international students facing a similar situation.
How to start the search when you have no idea where to begin
Honestly, when I first started looking, I didn't know which rental websites were reliable or what price was considered normal for student accommodation in the UK.
As I was still in China at that time, I wasn’t able to see any properties in person. All of my searching could only be conducted online, and I was constantly worried that the pictures might not accurately represent the actual house.
I started looking for what options were open to me through my university’s accommodation portal, hoping it would make things easier. But the choices were really limited, and they got booked up super fast, especially for postgrads like me.
What Helped Me
Gradually, I began looking at private options on websites. I found that websites oriented towards students are more trustworthy than ordinary rental websites, as these websites usually provide specific information such as distance from campus, local traffic conditions, and evaluations from previous students.
Why use platforms like AFS
Accommodation for Students (AFS), collaborates with certified landlords and accommodation providers.
Its search and filtering function enables users to narrow down the options based on what their preferences are regarding items such as budget, location, type of accommodation (e.g. studio, flat, house), and whether bills are included or not.
My favourite part? AFS assembles lists from several landlords and service providers, so I don’t need to click 10 different tabs and manually compare prices.
Top Tips from My Experience
- Start early: Ideally, 3–6 months before your course starts. Top spots fill quickly, especially in major cities.
- Use trusted sources: Take advantage of student-focused platforms like Accommodation for Students. It saves time since you get listings from multiple providers in one place, along with practical filtering functions and relevant information tailored for students.
- Ask current students: I contacted several international students who were already studying in the UK. They were very enthusiastic in providing useful suggestions and even sent me photos of their rooms and contract templates, so I knew what to expect.
- Request a virtual tour: If you are not already in the UK, request a video of the property from the landlord. Most of them will be willing to provide such a video, which will help you make a more informed decision. Some universities have virtual tours listed on their site too.
- Check if bills are included: It may sound insignificant, but for newcomers, managing gas, electricity and internet bills can be extremely challenging.
Finding accommodation overseas may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and a bit of planning, you’ll find a place that feels like home. You’ve got this!
